
REV. JOSHUA THOMAS, 
THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS 



THE 



3 ARSON OF THE ISLANDS; 



A BIOGRAPHY 



REV. JOSHUA THOMAS; 



EMBRACING 



SKETCHES OF HIS CONTEMPORARIES, 



IARKABLE CAMP MEETING SCENES, REVIVAL INCIDENTS, AND 
tEMINISCENCES OF THE INTRODUCTION OF METHODISM ON 
THE ISLANDS OF THE CHESAPEAKE, AND THE EASTERN 
SHORES OF MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA. 



By ADAM WALLACE, 

OF THE PHILADELPHIA CONEERENCE. 
WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY THE REV. JAMES A. MASSEY. 



PHILADELPHIA : 

PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR. 



FOR SALE BY 

PERKINPINE & HTGGINS, No. 56 NORTH FOURTH ST., 

STERSON, AT THE PHILADELPHIA CONFERENCE BOOK AND TRACT DEPOSITORY 

No. 119 N. SIXTH ST., 

ISAAC P. COOK, BOOKSELLER, No. 76 MARKET ST., BALTIMORE. 

BEED & FISHER, PRINCESS ANNE, MARYLAND. 



1861. 






Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1861, by 

Rev. A. WALLACE, 

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Eastern District of 
Pennsylvania. 

WILLIAM W. HAP.DIXG, STEREOTTPER. COLLINS, PRINTER. 



Z_ 9 



y~p r" 



TO 



THE VENERABLE WIDOW, THE ESTEEMED FAMILY, AND 
NUMEROUS FRIENDS, 



Rev. JOSHUA THOMAS; 



LL IN EVERY PLACE, WHO KNEW AND LOVED THIS SOMEWHAT ECCENTRIC 
BUT SINGULARLY EXCELLENT 

SEEVANT OF GOD, 

AND WHO WERE PLEASED AND PROFITED BY HIS LONG, DE- 
VOTED, AND SUCCESSFUL MINISTRY : — 



ALL WHO LOVE OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND ADMIRE A TYPE OP OLD- 
FASHIONED METHODISM, IN ITS SIMPLICITY AND POWER, 



THIS VOLUME IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY 

THE COMPILER. 



CONTENTS, 



PAGE 

Preface 13 

Introduction 21 

CHAPTER I. 

Sketch of the Islands — First discovered by Captain Smith — Settlements 
formed in Northampton — Accomac and Somerset — Elzey and Revel — ■ 
Original names — Rev. Mr. Massey's sketch — Hooper's Island — Straits 
— Light Boat— Holland's, Smith's, and Tangier Islands — Kedge's 
Straits — Tangier Sound — Oystering — Fishing — Dwellings — Popula- 
tion — Deal's Islands — Spring Island — Watt's and Saxe's Islands — 
Pocomoke Sound — Somers' Cove 37 

CHAPTER II. 
Birth of Joshua Thomas — " 76" — Potato Neck — Father and mother of 
Joshua — His Grandfather a Patriot — Death of his father — Removal 
to Tangier Island — His stepfather — Love for his mother — Address to 
children— He learns to pray — A drunkard's home — Neglect, poverty, 
and sorrow — No bread — "Remember the poor" — Success in fishing — 
The Canoe — Death of his stepfather — The bottle of brandy — Anec- 
dote — He hears Lorenzo Dow — " The Lord is here" — Last days and 
happy death of his mother 47 

CHAPTER III. 

Becomes a Waterman — Wants a wife — Prays for success — Is married — 
Builds a house — Happiness at home— Baptism of his child — His at- 
tachment to the Episcopal Church — Parson Reese — Obtains a Prayer 
book — Learns to read — Family worship — Prejudice against Method- 
ism — Troubled by its doctrines— Anecdotes — Wm. Miles — Mr. Gunby 

— Prayer meetings started by Churchmen 61 

5 



6 CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER IV. 

PAG« 

Revivals on the Eastern Shore of Virginia — Rev. Thomas Smith — Dr. 
Chandler — Pungoteague Camp Meeting — Joshua Thomas attends — 
His sensations— -Hears Lorenzo Dow — "An Earthquake" feared — Dis- 
turbance at the meeting — Arrest of the wrong person — Mob raised 
— Managers arrested — Fined two thousand dollars— Rules and regu- 
lations for Camp Meetings adopted — Effect of Methodist influence on 
Joshua — He prepares to attend another meeting 73 

CHAPTER V. 

Camp Meeting in Annamessex — Mr. Thomas resolves to attend — His 
uncle Levi's warning — Arrives at the meeting — Cautious against im- 
position — Will not have religion in the Methodist way — Great dis- 
play of power — He takes to the woods — Prays alone — Falls down — 
Becomes discouraged— Mr. "Wiltbank — " Behold the man !" — Goes to 
the mourners' bench in the right spirit — Believes — Feels a mighty 
change — "Loves everybody" — Begins to "cry out and shout" — Ex- 
horts all night — Sorrow at breaking up of the Camp — Returns home 
happy — Shouts through the corn — Prays without a book — Tells his 
joy to all around 83 

CHAPTER VI. 

Brother Thomas begins to hold meetings on the Island — Thomas 
Crockett — First prayer meeting — All day at it — Conversion of neigh- 
bor Crockett — Souls saved in the absence of a minister — Seymour 
and Lee — Tent meeting — The revival on Smith's Island — Solomon and 
Richard Evans — Great meeting at Richard's — Sinners quake and 
run — The devil after them — Rev. Wm. Evans — Anecdote — The dance 
displaced by prayer meetings — The old orchard — Aunt Charity's 
dream — A church organized 94 

CHAPTER VII. 

First Camp Meetings on Tangier Beach — Thrilling scenes — Ten thou- 
sand present — "Sinners falling all around" — Brother Thomas a 
Manager — Liberal collections — He exhorts on the shore — Pedlars 
awakened — Rum traffic — A drunkard put to sleep — Fight prevented 
— A Camp Meeting without preachers — Remarkable providence — A 
Presiding Elder befogged — He preaches with power — Signal results 
— The " Parson" happy 105 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

PAOB 

xtension of Methodism — Appointments formed — Comparing notes- 
Love for the Church — The hymn book — Tangier Church — Meeting 
day — Early contemporaries — The Crocketts— Baptism by immersion 
— His sickness — Anointing — " Goose grease" — Health restored in 
answer to prayer — Health of the Islanders — Doctors dreaded — Mrs. 
Lovey Evans — Dr. Williams 116 

CHAPTER IX. 

rrival of the British fleet in the Chesapeake Bay — Rendezvous at 
Tangier — The Islanders made prisoners of war — Talk with the Ad- 
miral — The camp meeting trees spared — Forts erected — Remarkable 
phenomenon — Holy ground — Religious soldiers — A sailor's narrative 
— "Methodist religion" — Conversion of a captain and mate — Skir- 
mish — Death of a young English soldier — The Parson on board the 
flag ship — Exhorts in the ward room — Stammering — The doctor — A 
close question — Death of his wife — Sustaining power of faith — 
Second marriage— A wife from the Lord 127 

CHAPTER X. 

ttack on Baltimore — Prediction of defeat — He preaches to the entire 
Army — " Thou shalt not kill" — Last warning — The fleet weigh anchor 
— Battle of North Point — Death of the Commander — Defeat of the 
British — Return to Tangier — " You told us so" — Messages from the 
wounded — Sorrow for the slain — The white flag— Peace — Great re- 
joicing — Departure of the British — Affecting farewell — Incidents — 
Revival of Camp Meetings — Garrison Burton — Lawrenson's Sermon 
— Ambassadors for Christ 143 

CHAPTER XI. 

r. Lawrenson on the Peninsula — Acquaintance and intimacy with 
Mr. Thomas — His social habits — Appearance — Cause of despondency 
— Pulpit efforts — Favorite texts — Incidents — The sheep and lambs 
— As much right to preach as Paul had — Hypocrites — Curtis' Chapel 
— The lawyers — Charade — Adventures with Mr. Thomas — Preach 
like Lawrenson — A sign to stop — Preaching in bed — Amusing scene 
— Shouting in a fog — Elijah's mantle — Death of Lawrenson — Memoir 
— Last experience joyful , 155 

CHAPTER XII. 
ichard and Solomon Evans — The " Spanker,"— Mrs. Evans and the 
officer — She gains the victory — A long married life — Second mar- 



i CONTENTS. 

PAGB 

riage of Solomon — His record of preachers — Recollections of the re- 
volution — -.A woman's curse — Grissom — Barge fight in Kedge's Straits 
— Ghost stories — A haunted man — A jacket demanded — Saulsbury'a 
grave — Captain TTeeras — Naval engagement — Effective broadside — 
Reminiscences — A renegade's death — A barge pursued — A brand 
from the burning — " The fathers, where are they ?" 175 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Conversion of John Parks — First prayer — Eventful life — His brother 
Charles — Mrs. Britania Parks — The death of the righteous — Contro- 
versy with fiddles — No compromise — Methodist tunes — The violins 
burned — Hamilton Bradshaw — Dream — Conversion of John's mother 
—Richard Bradshaw — His descendants — Mr. Kemp's anecdotes — 
The lost shoes — "Waiting for a wife — Borrowing money — The time 
to ask — His politics — A missionary impostor — Tobacco movement — ■ 
Anecdotes — Lawyers and doctors — Nearing Jordan 185 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Thomas Barbon, a Portuguese — Educated for a priest — Runs away and 
becomes a sailor — The battle of Trafalgar — Deserts the ship and 
swims ashore — Imprisoned in Spain — Arrives in America — Settles in 
Somerset — Attends the Tangier camp meeting — " Catches a crab" — 
Is converted — Temperance movement — Resolutions — Charles Barbon 
— Parson Wilmer on rum — Liquor casks emptied — Pigs and poultry 
drunk — Last days of Brother Barbon — Reflections — Experience 
meetings at Tangier — Contrasts 199 



CHAPTER XV. 

Removal to little Deal's Island — Rev. David Wallace — Marriages — 
Prayer-meetings at his house — Jacob Webster — Camp meeting at 
Todd's chapel — Praying in the rain — " Keep the fire burning" — 
Death and funeral of David Wallace — Parson Thomas' labors — Suc- 
cess in fishing — Trades to Choptauk — Ebenezer — "It comes to me, I 
must first shout'' — Conversion of an offended hearer — Singularity — 
Shouting, a means of grace— Shouts while making his child's coffin 
— Early dead, early saved — Children in heaven — Rev. Wm. Spry 215 



CONTENTS. y 

CHAPTER XVI. 

PAGE 

Commencement of camp meetings on Deal's Island — Managers — Rev. 
Henry White — Great sermon on the old hill — Rev. John S. Taylor — 
The power of a hearty " Amen" — The gust camp — Preachers present 
— Bible meeting — Rev. S. Townsend — Saturday night— The storm 
cloud — Wild commotion in the harbor — Vessels driven ashore — Tents 
blown down — Trees prostrated— Distress and fear — Saints and sin- 
ners — Rev. E. J. Way — Meetings in tents — A welcome morning — 
Extent of damage — Wonderful providence — Brother Thomas' cele- 
brated exhortation — The forces rallied — " Our Joshua" — " The devil 
had a hand in it" — Did not succeed — The meeting goes on— Inci- 
dents — Self preservation — An alarmed sailor 229 

CHAPTER XVII. 

lock Creek Church — Preaching of Brother Thomas — Conversion of 
George Washington Rowe — His zeal and success — Rev. Z. Webster — 
Great revival — Rev. Shepherd Drain— The Rowe family — Captain 
Rowe converted — Parents and Children happy in God — Mortality — 
Gathered home — Funeral of Rev. G. W. Rowe— Effects of a hymn — 
The sick restored — A baptism of the Spirit — Eaith of Parson Thomas 
— " Lord, cure the boy" — Signal answer to prayer — Rev. Z. Webster, 
a traveling preacher— His dying mother — "We shall meet in 
heaven." 251 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

brother Thomas ordained an Elder — Preaches in Baltimore — Rev. G. 
G. Cookman — William St. Church — Great sensation — Meeting at the 
house of Mr. Crouch — People happy — Rev. I. P. Cook at Deal's 
Island— Local Preachers — The Parson in Baltimore — The guest of 
Mr. Cook — A leaping blessing — Exhortation to the colored people — 
Jacob's sons— Corn in the land — " Godliness with contentment" — 
Poor prospect — God's blessing and a good harvest — "What he says 
is first rate" — Popularity in the city — A new overcoat — The prayer 
and its effects 261 



CHAPTER XIX. 

lamp meetings at Nanticoke Point — Thomas and Lawrenson — A clever 
Captain — Preach like others — Contrasts— Heaven and Hell — The 



10 CONTEXTS . 

PAGE 

black Ram — An offended hearer — An apology — Lawrenson's sermon 
— Ministerial fidelity — Repent or perish — The Captain conquered — 
Brother Thomas a peacemaker — Coals of fire — Captain Mister — A bad 
state to die in — Prayer on deck — Another case — Power of love — 
Place of prayer — Sedgegrass — A large blessing from a slight call — 
Praying the Devil off his Island — Contest for supremacy 274 



CHAPTER XX. 

Severn Mister — An invalid Captain — Prayer on the road side — The day 
of miracles — Signal answer — Wonderful faith— Strange dream — Pre- 
monition — Three young men drowned — Grief for the lost — Bodies 
found — Funeral sermon — Rev. V. Smith — A delicate subject — Sym- 
pathy — Words of warning — Casualties among the watermen — "Be 
ye also ready." , t 288 



CHAPTER XXI. 

Range of travel — Camp meeting visits— Impulse — "I am saved" — 
Sermon on fashion — Rev. E. J. Way — The Devil's things — Love con- 
quers — Fishing lines — Getting tangled — Satan's ways — Socrates — 
Rev. W. Quinn — The School-house meeting — An enraged young 
man — His sudden death — Presumption fatal — Danger of displeasing 
God — Stingy people — An ox lost — The law of giving — Pay and pray 
— Good measure — Rockawalking — Following the best light — Chris- 
tian fellowship — No sects in heaven — Opposition to revivals — Help 
one another — Attends church service — Makes a "joyful noise" — 
Transcends prayer book proprieties 300 



CHAPTER XXII. 

Letter from Rev. R. E. Kemp — First acquaintance with Joshua Thomas . 
— Bishop Emory — Rev. Wm. Evans — Ross' Woods camp meeting — 
Ebenezer — Rev. Wm. Spry — Serving God at home — Reminiscence 
— Afflictions of the righteous — House burned — A "God-send" — 
Truthfulness — He prays for wind — Shouts on the shore — Politics — 
Habits of prayer — Wm. Rea, Esq. — Stolen money restored — Last 
visit to the Island — Sacramental occasion — Lines to his memory 313 



CONTENTS. 



11 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

PAGB 

rhe Canoe " Methodist" — The original tree — Hance Crosswell — Dimen- 
sions — Little Deal's Island — Voyage to the Island Churches — Remin- 
iscences by Rev. Dr. Townsend — The fence-log story — Rev. J. Hargis 
— Preaching on Smith's Island — Rev. R. E. Kemp — Livety hearers 
of the word — " You're right, brother !" — Class meetings — Thomas 
Tyler — Theological controversies — " Just as I said !" — Deference to 
the preachers — Effect of the gospel on the Islanders 330 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

Letter from Rev. L. W . Nottingham — Brother Thomas and Rev. W. Spry 
—An affecting scene — An angry sinner converted — Personal violence 
prevented — Rev. J. A. Brindle — Anecdotes — "Better late than 
never" — Aaron Thomas reclaimed — Becomes an Exhorter — His 
father's joy — Farewell meeting at Tangier— His regard for Local 
Preachers — Rev. John Laws — An Experience meeting — Rev. H. 
Dalby — Jacob's Ladder — Rev. L. Moore — Rev. B. T. Ames — A Sailor's 
experience — The drops before a shower — Rev. W. Evans — Evans 
and Thomas at Ebenezer — Remarkable scene 347 

CHAPTER XXV. 
Visits to Princess Anne — Praying in families — A delicate subject — 
Meetings at Brother Fontaine's — A fashionable coat — Style of 
preaching — Dr. Gardiner — Personal appeals — Habit of responding 
— How to quiet a crying child — Sermon on Joseph — Illustration of 
faith — Perseverance in prayer — Debility — The promises — Encounter 
with the Devil — Upset from an ox cart — A victory — Preachers at 
Deal's Island, 1847 — Rev. J. A. Roche — The great salvation — Rev. 
J. Allen — Important question — Rev. A. Cookman — The crown of 
life — Rev. "W. Campbell — Hope for the Church — The world to be saved 
through an earnest ministry 359 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

lemoval of the Camp Meeting— Parks' Grove — New Church — Rev. J. 
D. Onins — Dedication — Rev. J. Sewell — Dr. Bunting — Elliott — Great 
Sermon — A cow subscribed to pay for church — Contrast — Last Ser- 
mon of Father Thomas — His prayer — A good Text — Preaching — 
Probation work — God speaking to men — Folly of procrastination — 
A forty days' shower — Exalted privileges — Danger of abuse — Weep- 



12 CONTENTS. 

PAGB 

ing for sinners — The word let slip — Inattentive hearers — A leaky 
bucket — The seed in stony places — Earnestness — Neglect — No escape 
— The great salvation — Now is the accepted time — A hiding place 
from the storm — Last appeal — A pledge to try for heaven — Happy con- 
clusion — A fish story 369 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

The Parson obtains a carriage — Going to church — Household words — 
Letter from Rev. B. F. Price — Imposition of hands — Sordid selfish- 
ness rebuked — A chieftain in the host — Accidental fall — Dream — Dr. 
Jones— Visits of the preachers — Adventure of the Princess Anne law- 
yers — Hon. Mr. C. — " "We must pray if you are all lawyers" — Cha- 
racter of the prayer — Its effects — He prays for "their servants" 393 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Nearing port — Cheerfulness and religious hope — Sorrows of old age — 
Dying young — Ministry of a devoted wife — " Son, I am not afraid 
to die" — Tranquil passage — In the harbor — Safe at home — "He 
is gone !" — Funeral sermon by Rev. Z. Webster — Doctrine of the 
resurrection — Certainty and glory— Consolation to the sorrowing — 
Security of the righteous — " He sleeps in Jesus" — Rev. A. W. Milby 
— Burial — Inscription on tomb — Death of Aaron Thomas — A widow's 
stay in trouble — Death of John Parks — Christian liberality — Hamilton 
White — The Thomas family — Reflections — The Christian mariner — 
Conclusion 402 



PREFACE 



" May God bless and prosper you in this labor of love," 
vrites an intelligent brother minister, on learning that a bio- 
graphy of the Rev. Joshua Thomas was in contemplation. 

Another ardent friend wrote, " Go a-head. The work 
hould be accomplished now. If longer neglected it may never 
>e done." 

Still others, — " Give us a book ; it has been long desired by 
.11 who knew the dear old Island Preacher." 

" The life of such a man ought not to be confined to his 
teighborhood, or to his brief sojourn on earth." 

" You are now providentially placed on the ' field of his 
ame," and can glean the rich and abundant materials, in an- 
cdote and incident, that will make a useful volume, and per- 
>etuate the memory of his eventful life, and stirring times." 

Thus urged and encouraged, the writer ventured, a few 
aonths ago, to take this work in hand ; and, devoting the in- 
ervals of leisure allowed on a large and laborious circuit to its 
rrangement, it has assumed the form in which the reader finds 

13 



14 PREFACE. 

An abler and more practiced pen should have been emplo} 7 ed 
in this undertaking, but for demands which had to be met in 
the active service of the church, and in other departments of 
duty. 

The apology which may be due, as to why " what was found 
worth doing at all is not done better ?" is simply this : the 
writer offered his material and services, in vain, to others, 
hoping to occupy a subordinate position merely, as co-worker 
in its accomplishment ; and not until every request and tender 
failed did he assume the responsibilities involved in his own 
name. 

Appointed to the Princess Anne Circuit in 1860 for the 
second time, after the lapse of ten years, he found the vacant 
chair and silent grave of his former, greatly beloved, " Father 
in Israel," and the hearts of his friends full of cherished 
memories of the departed saint. 

When formerly on the circuit, it was oftentimes his privilege 
and always his delight to visit Bro. Thomas at his Island home, 
and listen while he recounted the story of his earlier days, and 
told the wonders of redeeming mercy, which had marked his 
pathway through a long life. After repeated conversations 
with him on the subject of a memoir and history of his times, 
he laid his trembling hands on the head of the "young 
preacher," and charged him by the love he bore him, to see 
that such a thing was done. 

He had been disappointed greatly, and so had his friends, 
that none of the preachers who had talked of, or attempted, 
this work, had persevered in its performance. 

The Rev. Levin M. Prettyman of the Philadelphia Con- 
ference, about twenty years ago, commenced — as the amanuensis 



PREFACE. 



15 



id intimate friend of Bro. Thomas — to prepare an autobiogra- 
ry. This work was continued at such intervals as could be 
jvoted to it, until the manuscript narrative reached the year 
315, where it abruptly terminates, remaining in this unfin- 
hed state until both these beloved men had gone " the way 
' all the earth." 

That Mr. Prettyman intended to publish a volume is more 
Lan probable. On a fly leaf of his papers there is " a plan to 
rite by," and an outline of topics, or chapters, to guide him 
. completing his design. 

His removal to other scenes of ministerial duty, doubtless, 
iterfered with this purpose, and deferring his work until lei- 
Lre could be obtained, he fell at his post, a faithful herald of 
Ivation. 

Some years since a brother — eminently qualified for the de- 
irtment of literature, such a volume as the present is intended 
- occupy — Kev. A. Manship, author of " Thirteen years' ex- 
jrience in the Itinerancy" — at the instance of Bro. Thomas' 
mily and numerous friends, was applied to; and, surveying 
ie field, found it " white unto the harvest," but, to their re- 
'et, could not devote that time to the preparation of a biogra- 
ay, which the Church required for other and important du- 
es. 

In this regret the writer cannot but concur. Brother M., 
Dwever, with characteristic generosity furnished us the 
Prettyman Papers," which had been confided to his care, 
ith every " aid and encouragement" possible, in the prosecu- 
on of this task, which, as intimated by another, seems to have 
evolved, by providential appointment, on the present compiler, 
'his was made apparent to him by a vivid recollection of the 



16 PREFACE. 

obligation imposed by Bro. Thomas himself, the many concur- 
ring . circumstances thrown around the case, and the hearty 
" God speed V he has received, while collecting his material 
from widely varying sources. 

It will not be surmised that Father T. was actuated by a 
vain ambition, in the desire he felt, and so often expressed, to 
see a publication of this kind ; though he prized the thought — 
who does not? — that his name should be remembered, and his 
memory blessed, after he had been " gathered to his fathers." 

His true motive was to make memorial of the mercy of his 
God, and tell to generations following, the mighty works and 
wonders of his gracious hand. 

The following extract from the papers alluded to, and de- 
signed for the same purpose as that to which it is devoted here, 
will reveal his motive : 

" The Lord has been so good to me, my family, and friends 
on these islands, I have had for a long time a great desire to 
publish an account of the astonishing things he has done for 
us ; that many may be encouraged to seek, and all to praise, 
him for the great mercy and goodness which we have received. 

" It is not to boast, understand, of what / may have done, 
but of what my God has done for us, poor ignorant sinners. I 
give him all the glory and praise for the gracious work he has 
wrought among us for a great many years past. And as I 
have now a friend (Bro. Prettyman) to write for me, I will 
proceed to tell you what a condition we were in before the gos- 
pel was preached to us in its convincing energy and saving 
power ; and what a wonderful and happy change it has pro- 
duced." 



PREFACE. 



IT 



[t is to be regretted that this " desire of his eyes" was not 
omplished before he " fell asleep." 

rhe plan and details of the work were matters of conversa- 
i, prior to that last interview, when, receiving his blessing, 
writer received also the charge which he has now affection- 
ly, if feebly, tried to fulfill. 

Chis duty would have been onerous in the extreme, if not 
irely impossible to him, but that " many hands," able, ac- 
iplished, and willing, have made comparatively " light 
:k ;" and contributed greatly to whatever value and interest 
y be found in the following pages. 

Che sketches of contemporary characters introduced may 
be deemed irrelevant to the general design. 
Chose incorporated with the main narrative were found to 
inseparably and worthily associated with the subject, and 
[ revive the memory of names that are still precious through- 
the peninsula; connected, as they are, with the rise and rap- 
progress of Methodism, to that prominence which it has 
led in Maryland and Virginia. 

n the arrangement of the earlier parts of the work, the 
sttyman manuscript has been used entire, and will be found 
rked all along by a beautiful simplicity and truthfulness in 
statement of facts. 

Che communications of Rev. Brothers Kemp, Br. Townsend, 
ndle, Price, J. Hargis, Nottingham, and others, contribute 
atly to the completeness of the book; and, as will be found, 
he pleasure and profit of the reader. 

Che sermon by Rev. Z. Webster, recalled and written at our 
uest, and also the report from memory of the last public 
3ourse delivered by our " Parson," will stand as simple 



18 PREFACE. 

memorials of the man, and may revive useful reflections in the 
minds of many, who heard with throbbing hearts the lessons 
of love and meekness from those lips now sealed and silent for 
ever. 

On the question of a title, there was, in the mind of the 
writer, no misgiving. That which has been adopted appeared 
to be most appropriate and expressive. "The Paesox of the 
Islands" was the name given to Mr. Thomas by the chief of- 
ficers of the British army and fleet, when their rendesvous 
was the Island where he resided, and exercised the simple 
functions of his office. 

He was emphatically the " Parson of the Islands ;" extend- 
ing to all, and over all (in that vicinity), an unwearied watch- 
fulness. Through heat and cold, in storm and sunshine, by 
day or night, he was prompt to action in every call of duty ; 
performing, as a father and friend, those ministrations of reli- ■ 
gion that have endeared his name to the hearts of the people. 
The fastings he endured, the perils he braved, the tears he 
shed, and the personal sacrifices he made, in attendance wher- 
ever sickness or suffering needed sympathy; whenever be- 
reavement and sorrow called for comfort or condolence ; in all 
the varying phases of human ill, there was he, the counselor, 
pastor, friend of all. He took the little children in his arms, 
and named them for Grod and the Church. He joined the 
hands of united happy hearts, and gave them his blessing. 
He cheered the dying by his encouraging presence and sublime 
faith. He stood by their coffins and at their graves to point 
the living to a home beyond the dark valley. In their disputes 
and difficulties he was " the son of peace." 

Many of the incidents collected and presented here, illus- 



PREFACE. 



19 



1 ■ 



icivc of his singularities and strong faith, will, it is probable, 
x the credulity of those who have not personally known him. 
As inward impressions, abrupt movements, dreams, and revel- 
ions, may be pronounced " the vagaries of a weak mind," or, 
the impulses of fanaticism and folly." To those who were 
itimately acquainted with the man, the solution is not difficult. 
He walked," yea, and talked, " with God !" According to 
is ready, implicit faith, so was it done unto him, or unto those 

whose behalf he became oft a pleader at the throne of grace. 

The Divine word, to his mind, was an unalterable verity, in 
1 it declared of God, and man, and Christ the Mediator, 
"e believed in the Holy Ghost, and when in perplexity, or in- 
3cision, on any matter of duty, invariably asked light from 
>ove, and found it " liberally." 

" It comes to me," was a frequent utterance with him, and 
iat he had access unto the Father, none could doubt, when 
3 spake with " boldness of confidence," the things that were 

his heart. 

In all reports of what he said or did, after the manuscript 
om which quotations are made fails, the aim has been to give 
is language in substance. 

However difficult the undertaking to put such a man, in a 
)ok ; this, there is some reason for supposing, has, to a good 
igree, been done. This, at least, was the primary aim of the 
riter. His success, others must determine. He congratu- 
tes himself, and his readers, that older heads and abler hands 
ive mainly contributed to secure this result. 

The " Introduction," by Rev. J. A. Massey, and a descrip- 
ve sketch of the Islands, also from his pen, claim special 
iknowledgment, and will be found both interesting and in- 



20 PREFACE. 

structive, not only to- the stranger, but to those familiar with 
the localities and people, to which reference is made. 

The engravings, secured at considerable trouble and expense, 
for this volume, will speak for themselves. It was an oft ex- 
pressed wish of Father Thomas that the event of his preaching 
to the British on the eve of their attack on the city of Balti- 
more should be represented in an engraving. It is here, just 
as he described the scene, and will make the reader familiar 
with that notable circumstance. 

Many a preacher of the Philadelphia Conference will recog- 
nize at a glance the canoe " Methodist/' and admit with plea- 
sure the crowding associations therewith connected. 

The portrait introduced, is the nearest approach possible to a 
satisfactory likeness. Memory was our only " original." 

Justice to the subject and the compiler, demanded a much 
longer time in arrangement and completion than could be com- 
manded for the purpose. The " dangers of delay" have 
prompted a rather premature and hurried publication. For all 
defects, inaccuracies, and errors of style or fact, he must claim 
the largest possible forbearance. 

Without ambition, except to accomplish good, and with his 
might, to obey duty's call, he has cheerfully given the toil at- 
tendant on the preparation of this book. Among the Island 
people, at least, what has been done will meet with an appreci- 
ative welcome; here, the man they venerated will still preach 
and point souls to Jesus ; and in these pages his friends will 
see his form, hear his teachings, and become happy, as in the 
days of other years, in the companionship of " the Parson of 
the Islands." Adam Wallace. 

Princess Anne, Maryland, 1861. 



INTRODUCTION, 

By The Rev. James A. Massey. 



H 



Some extended biographical notice of that faithful Christian, 
id useful laborer in the vineyard of the Lord, Rev. Joshua 
nomas, ought to have been given long ago. He was very de- 
rous, himself, that " the way which the Lord led him many 
3ars in this wilderness" world, should be published in a book, 
everal of our ministers, at various times, have thought of pre- 
aring such a memoir. Many years since, /occasionally enter- 
tined a thought of engaging in the effort to prepare a work, 
miewhat similar, in plan and detail, to the present undertak- 
tg. If simultaneous leisure could have been possessed by both 
im and me, when I was situated near him, I might have spent 
)me weeks at his residence, and have accomplished a more 
dnute and thorough biography than can now be furnished 
5 there are no journals, diaries, or other memoranda left by 
im or his old friends, to aid in this good work. But while 
e was alive to furnish material, I was not only deterred by his 
ad my own want of leisure, but by a conscious incompetency 

(21) 



11 INTRODUCTION. 

for the kind of writing that would do justice to such a thrilling 
subject. 

I was glad when Eev. Levin Bf. Prettyman undertook this 
work, many years ago. I anticipated such a production from 
his pen as would meet the requirements of the case, and satisfy 
the demand of the public. But, after making considerable 
progress, he never completed his design, and the memoir re- 
mained unfinished. TVhat he did write, however, has been 
placed in the hands of the present biographer, and is, I presume, 
fully and fairly used in the following pages. 

It may be, that my inability, and also that of Bro. P., to 
accomplish the labor of love that was in our hearts, is all for 
the best ; as Bro. Wallace is better qualified for this service 
than either of us were. Though not personally conversant with 
Father Thomas, except for a brief period before his decease, 
yet Bro. TV. retains a sufficiently vivid impression of those 
traits, which distinguished him, to delineate with accuracy his 
remarkable character ; besides, his present position, and pas- 
toral intercourse with those who knew him best, and loved him 
most, may enable him, with the descriptive adaptation he pos- 
sesses, to accomplish the work to which he has addressed him- 
self, with industry and zeal, so as to secure completeness, as far 
as such a thing can be attained at the present time. 

The "everlasting remembrance" in which the "righteous" 
are held, is not dependent on books or biographers. " Their 
record is on high" Yet, " the memory of the just is blessed" 
to generations following ; and it becomes a grateful, and a useful 
task, to perpetuate the influence and example of a good life, — 
such a life as that of Joshua Thomas. 

In this form, " being dead," he may yet live, and preach in 



INTRODUCTION. 



23 



3 simple way, to thousands who never saw, or knew the man, 
•and who, by a perusal of these pages, may be induced to 
glorify God in him/' and " follow him as he followed Christ." 
Memorials of his contemporaries, among both ministers and 
jmbers of the Church, will add greatly to the interest of the 
lume ; while they will preserve from the oblivion of the past, 
mes that were " as ointment poured forth," and characters 
at illustrate, in an eminent degree, the power and precious- 
ss of the gospel to save. 

The father of Joshua Thomas, though in humble circum- 
mces, was a man highly respected in his day, and made an 
i nest living by his industry. He died while Joshua was quite 
»ung, and left his widow and children not entirely destitute, 
nfortunately, while Joshua was still a small boy, his mother 
arried a second husband, who turned out to be both indolent 
Ld intemperate. He soon squandered what little property 
ey possessed, and reduced the family to great straits, — and 
ten to extreme suffering, for want of necessary food and com- 
rtable clothing. To get along in the difficulties, to which 
inking and idleness brought him, this step-father would sonie- 
nes appropriate what was not his own. One way of catching 
•urn fish, was to anchor a long cable, by heavy stones at each 
id, and have a number of hooks attached, with about a fathom 
cord to each, and these cords about a fathom apart on the 
ble. These hooks were large and strong, and were baited 
th pieces of crab. The owner of the cable and lines would 
ake two or three visits to them every day, to take off all the 
h that might be hooked. This wretched man would take his 
.tie boys, late at night, and make them row him to some of 
ese drum lines, set by his neighbors, and take off all the fish 



2 i INTRODUCTION. 

that he found on them. But, although exposed to the corrupt- 
ing influence of the example and commands of such a step- 
Hither, Joshua retained a tender conscience. He thoroughly- 
despised and heartily hated the man's dissipation and dis- 
honesty, and resolved that he would pursue a different course. 
He desired to serve God, as well as he knew how. The Pro- 
testant Episcopal minister who occasionally visited the Islands, 
had no more eager and attentive hearer than young Joshua. 
Though he was naturally of a cheerful and lively temperament, 
and his company was greatly sought after in the convivial gath- 
erings of his neighbors, he kept up a constant desire and aim 
to do right. He married while young, and succeeded in main- 
taining his family comfortably by honest industry. He was at 
this period directed by the minister, during one of his visits to 
the Islands, to procure a prayer book and have family worship. 
He had the appropriate places pointed out, and promptly en- 
gaged in this duty. 

He frequently related in after years a circumstance, which 
strongly illustrates both his firm resolution to do what he thought 
to be his duty, (even though it involved something that was 
very unpleasant,) and how extremely poor a reader he was. 
One of his neighbors, who was a much better reader than 
himself, visited him one evening. As the usual hour for wor- 
ship approached, he began to fear that his friend was about to 
stay all night. He dreaded the thought of praying before him. 
At length, after waiting until a late hour, he ventured to tell 
his, visitor that he had established family prayer, and requested 
him, as he was the better reader, to take his place in conduct- 
ing the service. His neighbor was very much startled at 



INTRODUCTION. 



25 



is proposal, and insisted that Mr. Thomas should proceed as 
ual, for he could not think of officiating in his place. 
"Well then," said Mr. T., " as you have better laming than 
I will place a candle in a chair between us, and you must 
)k over the book, and when I cannot make out the words, you 
ist tell me." 

To this proposition the neighbor consented. It was not 
lg before they reached a word which neither of them could 
cipher. He never afterwards forgot the word : it was " par- 
ular." 

His good minister did not seem to give him any very loud 
strong warning against the Methodists, who were making 
aat headway at that time, for he appeared to be open to con- 
3tion, when he first was led to attend one of the camp meet- 
*s held on the main land in Accomac Co., Va., and began to 
ik privately the same happy experience which he saw many 
ofess to obtain in public. This blessing he continued to seek, 
d ere long received. 

My acquaintance with him began in August, 1828, at the 
st camp meeting held on Deal's Island. While the tents 
ire being erected on the day on which service was to com- 
3nce at night, as I sauntered about, a plain, solid built man, 
th his pants rolled up and his feet bare, came up to the place 
lere several of the ministers who had arrived, were standing 
sitting. One of these was Rev. Henry White, then P. E. 
the district, who had consented to take charge of the meet- 
g, although it was not a Quarterly Meeting. Brother White 
troduced the stranger to me, as Brother Joshua Thomas. I 
id often heard of him, and had formed some opinion of his 
■obable appearance. But I was utterly disappointed in my 



2G INTKODUCTION. 

expectations. I had heard of him so frequently as " Father 
Thomas, the Tangier Island Preacher," that I anticipated some- 
thing much more venerable in his looks and bearing. But I 
had before me only a rough, awkward, stammering Islander. 
The acquaintance which I formed with him during that meet- 
ing, elevated him greatly in my estimation, and endeared him 
to my heart. I was then in the second year of my Itinerancy, 
and a few days over twenty years of age. My youth seemed to 
give this dear man particular interest in me : but my being one 
of the " itenery" preachers was itself a great recommendation 
to him ; for, of the Itinerant ministers and preachers of the 
Methodist E. Church, he had long been, and continued through 
life, a devoted friend. 

As he attended several camp meetings every year, my ac- 
quaintance with him was renewed the following year, which I 
spent on Salisbury Circuit. 

In the year 1830, I was stationed at Asbury Church, West 
Philadelphia, and was thus cut off from seeing him that year. 
But in 1831, immediately after my marriage, I was sent to An- 
namessex Circuit, which, as then constituted, included Deal's Is- 
land. Though there was then no church, or regular appointment 
for preaching on that Island, yet at every appointment at Bock 
Creek, the nearest church on the main land, I met Bro. Thomas. 
The appointment was on Tuesdays ; and though he was remark- 
ably industrious, he never was too busy to lay aside his fishing, 
canoe-building, or the cultivation of his corn or " taters," (as 
he, and the Island people called their noble sweet potatoes,) to 
attend the week day preaching. We frequently spent some 
hours together, where I stopped for dinner. The circuit was 
so large that the week in which we preached at Bock Creek, 



INTRODUCTION. 



27 



■ 



d an appointment for nearly every day ; (there was no spare 

If day in it, until near its close, and then I would be far off, 

another part of the circuit,) so that I did not get to see him 

his own house, on little Deal's Island, during my two years 

this circuit. 

But he usually attended the Quarterly Meetings, as well as 
e camp meetings of the circuit ; and he would time his visits 
the " Methodist" — (his big canoe,) to different parts of the 
•cuit, so as to meet me eccasionally at several other appoint- 
mts ; and he sometimes visited me at my own house, in Po- 
jo Neck — so that the intimacy between us became very con- 
lerable, by the expiration of my two years' term. 
My colleague and myself visited Smith's Island together each 
ar, about its close. Bro. Thomas took us carefully across the 
und, and by his entertaining company, greatly added to the 
berest and enjoyment of those trips. 

During the seven following years, I was on Accomack 
rcuit, (twice,) and on Cambridge and Salisbury Circuits, and 
bad more or less intercourse with him if I recollect aright, 
ch of these years. 

In 1840, 1 was made Presiding Elder of Snow Hill District, 
d met with him every quarter, on his own circuit and oc- 
sionally on others, during the three years I remained on the 
strict. 

After leaving the District in 1843, I never saw him again, 
ough I occasionally wrote to him, and received messages 
>m him. 

Bro. Thomas had a mind of great natural sprightliness and 
rewdness. His education was barely sufficient to enable him 
read his Bible with satisfaction and profit. In other books 



28 INTRODUCTION. 

he never read much, from lack of time, of books, and of ability 
to read to advantage. Except in books that were carefully 
prepared for such as had a very limited vocabulary, he would 
soon be reading in what, to him, was quite an unknown tongue. 
But he read nature ; he studied facts ; and was ever learning 
something from men and things that would help him in his 
exhortations, (as he always called his discourses,) to explain 
the Bible and Christian experience. 

He was remarkable for his prayerfulness, for strong faith, 
and for sunny cheerfulness. He carried religion into all places 
and circumstances. He regarded every locality as a suitable 
place for prayer. In the public office of a Register of Wills, 
on the road side, in the sedge grass and the silent woods, as 
well as in the pulpit or altar, the closet or at the fireside of his 
friends. 

But though religion was more or less his theme in all com- 
panies and places, yet there was nothing repulsive to the young 
and cheerful, in his manner of introducing that subject. It 
was a cheerful, happy thing with him. He always could make 
hi# discourses attractive to persons of all ages and characters. 
He was very loquacious; and might frequently be found, during 
the intervals of worship, at a camp meeting, surrounded with 
a small circle, entertaining and instructing them with his 
sprightly conversation, about religion and the incidents of his 
own life and experience. I never knew him to take a text 
when other preachers were present. 

At camp meetings, he delighted in the privilege of exhorting, 
just when he felt like doing so, in the prayer-meetings or at 
the close of sermons. Whenever he did so, (however able or 
long the sermon that had preceded) — instead of a retreat from 



INTRODUCTION. 



29 



congregation, when he would arise to exhort, there was 
e to be a considerable increase of attentive listeners; and 
se who were already in the congregation, in considerable 
nbers, would draw near the stand. This they were induced 
lo, partly because his voice was not very loud and strong, 
. partly because they seemed to be attracted towards him,. 
> natural facetiousness would frequently produce considerable 
ghter; but without being in the least disconcerted thereby, 
would proceed, until tears would often be as plentiful as 
ceding smiles and laughter had been, 
lis own family had great reason to stand in awe of some of 

sallies. He felt it his privilege to introduce so much of 
ae matters, of their blunders and faults, (in a way which he 
light would do them and others good,) that they might well 
■ something was coming out, that they would rather he 
uld have kept to himself; but they were so accustomed 
t that they did not seem much alarmed by his disclosures, 
eel apprehensive beforehand of his personalities. 
.he late Rev. Henry White once gave him a kind, public 
roof, in reference to this matter. He was speaking at a 
tp meeting on Deal's Island, of prominent, faithful Chris- 
i men, in a neighborhood, as being invaluable — " Your old 
nd, Joshua Thomas," said he, "by his life and labors among 
., is of the greatest service to you. I have frequently heard 
"e divinity in Ms unpretending exhortations, than in long 
nons from able men — though I do not like the way he has 
alking about his family so much in public/' 
' am writing this introduction without having seen the 
noir which it is intended to precede, and can hardly give 
cdotes of him — as they "readily recur to me —without incur- 






30 INTRODUCTION. 

ring the risk of saying what the biographer may have inserted, 
from other sources. 

His promptness in doing what good people urged upon him 
as his duty, is illustrated by some circumstances of his early 
religious life. He came in contact with some Baptists, who 
insisted on immersion, in adult years, as the only valid baptism. 
Reflecting upon what they taught him, when alone in his canoe, 
with prayer for the Divine blessing, he suddenly plunged into 
the water, intending it for what he was told was the correct 
mode of baptism. When he next met with his Baptist friends, 
he told them that he had been immersed. When asked who 
had performed the ceremony, he told them that he did it him- 
self. They told him that it must be done by a minister, who 
had himself been immersed. He then consented to be im- 
mersed by a Baptist minister, which at his request was soon 
done. He was very much distressed however when he found 
that his Methodist brethren were about to consider this act as 
a withdrawal from the church of his affections ; and though 
suddenly induced thus to submit to immersion, he soon settled 
down in the firm persuasion that baptism in infancy and by 
sprinkling was scriptural. 

His second marriage is an illustration of his carrying out the 
injunction, "In everything by prayer and supplication let your 
requests be made known to God." While the British were 
encamped on Tangier Beach, he lost his first wife. She left 
three small children, one of them an infant at the breast. That 
there might be no occasion for scandal, he employed two fe- 
male members of the church to keep his house and attend to 
his children; but the British officers visited the house so much 
that these ladies became unwilling to stay there. He put out 



INTRODUCTION. 



31 



; babe to a nurse, who in a week or two returned it on his 
ads. He then began to think that though his wife had been 
id only a few weeks he should have to marry again very 
n. He prayed the Lord, that if this were best, He would 
ect his mind to a suitable person for his wife, and a mother 
his little children. 

A. Miss Bradshaw was presented to his mind's eye as the 
lit person. But he replied, "Lord, she is too young." Re- 
tted prayer brought the same answer. Friends began to tell 
n. he would have to contract an early second marriage; and 
iry one of them, without his naming his impressions in 
5wer to prayer, recommended the same person. 
He determined to visit the family. When his canoe came 
sight of her father's residence, the old people, seeing the ap- 
taching sail, tried to ascertain whose canoe it was. The 
ighter arose, and, on looking, determined in a moment who 
3 coming, and was suddenly impressed that he was coming 
a purpose in which she was deeply interested. He was 
idly received, and after supper and family worship, the 
Idren retired. The old people began to condole with him 
his desolate condition, and asked him what he intended to 
? He told them that all his friends thought that he would 
»n have to marry again. In this they coincided, and asked 
q whom he thought of seeking as his second wife ? 
Be told them of his impressions, in answer to prayer, and 
the corroborating advice of his friends. They said their 
iotty" was too young for him, but if she were willing, they 
uld not oppose. When he arose next morning, he saw her 
*aged in milking a cow. After his secret devotion, he went 
] of doors to where she stood, straining her milk. He asked 



32 INTRODUCTION. 

lier "if she loved his late wife well enough to undertake to be 
a mother to her children." She replied in the affirmative. 
"Well then," said he, "old Brother Aydelott will be at his ap- 
pointment, on Holland's Island, on such a day, (naming a day a 
week or so distant,) and I will come and take you up, and get 
him to marry us." To this arrangement she gave her consent, 
and they were married accordingly. This match contracted 
with as little parley or delay as the betrothal of Kebekah by 
Abraham's servant, for his young master Isaac, was an emi- 
nently happy one. She did him good and not evil all the days 
of his life. 

One of the most happy exhortations I ever remember to 
have heard him deliver, was at a Sabbath morning prayer- 
meeting during the progress of a camp at Deal's Island in Au- 
gust, 1838 or '39. There had been a tremendous storm the 
previous night, which had blown down some 20 or 30 tents, 
and driven ashore about 150 vessels. 

Everybody was gloomy and discouraged. Brother Thomas 
told the people they ought to be full of gratitude and confi- 
dence. " While several large trees had been blown down near 
the encampment, not a single limb of any size had fallen 
within the circle of tents. Though the vessels had been 
driven ashore, not a single life had been lost, and only one 
vessel had been wrecked outright, and that was an old rotten 
craft, which, if it had not been disabled there, might have cost 
its owner and crew their lives, for they would have continued 
to sail in her until she would have sunk, and they would have 
gone to the bottom. 

" Besides," said he, " there is no place where these vessels 
could have been scattered about in the sound and bay, in pur- 



INTRODUCTION. 33 

suit of their business, in which some of them, in all proba- 
bility, would have been lost if they had not been here at 
the camp meeting during this gale. Instead, then, of giving 
up holding camp meetings here, we ought to take encourage- 
ment, and look for (xod's blessing upon the closing part of this 
meeting, and come here every year while we live, to wait upon 
God with his people/ 7 

One part of this address was thrillingly eloquent. He re- 
presented himself as looking out at the pines during the 
storm, " and they bent like bows, but God said unto them, 
i Hold on !' and hold on they did, though one of them in the 
midst of the tents was half cut through, and though outside 
the ground large trees were blown up by the roots." 

This exhortation produced a most astonishing effect. Al- 
most every person cheered up, and the meeting went on very 
pleasantly to its close. 

About 1840, at a camp on Tangier Beach, a missionary 
service was held. After an appropriate sermon by Rev. C. 
Karsner, Brother Thomas volunteered to add a few remarks. 
He told the congregation of a wealthy, corpulent man, whom 
he once, in vain, solicited to give a dollar at a Missionary meet- 
ing. " You had better do so," he told him, "for if you don't 
you may expect that God will send on you the ' billus !' (the 
bilious fever;) and the unconscionable doctor will come, and he 
will charge you five dollars or more. But if you will give a 
dollar or more to this cause I think God will keep the ' billus' 
away from you." He could not induce the corpulent gentle- 
man to pay the demanded dollar, but sure enough the " billus" 
did soon seize upon this penurious sinner, and he drew a most 
graphic and laughable picture of the manner in which the 



31 INTRODUCTION. 

" billus," tlie doctor, and the medicine combined, tortured and 
pulled down the flesh of the fat man, leaving him, in his ap- 
pearance, a perfect contrast to his looks in health. 

He then drew (in something like the manner of the Psalm- 
ist and the Prophet Isaiah), a picture of ^an Idolater cutting 
down a tree, carving out an image, painting it, and setting it 
up to be worshiped. " And then, with the balance of the 
tree, he makes a fire, cooks a meal, and, before he will eat it, 
he falls down before the image he had just made and set up, 
thanks it for his food, and asks it to help him and bless him. 
" Why," said he, " ignorant as we are, if such an image were 
set up here for a god, our island boys would stone it, or batter 
it down with brick bats I" He then went on to insist on their 
obligation, as having been so favored with gospel light, to 
send it on to the " heathen" who, " in their blindness bow 
down to wood and stone." 

Many of the happiest illustrations in his discourses were 
drawn from fishing and sailing in which he had spent most of 
his life. But, though they were most eminently clear and 
happy hits, I cannot give any of them so as to afford a proper 
view of his manner. 

He was very fond of carrying the preachers to their Island 
appointments in his big canoe. And it was usually a treat to 
be with him. In his cheerful manner he was all the time 
seeking to gain or give instruction. Finding him so fond of 
this employment, the societies at Smith's and Holland's Islands, 
several years after I left the circuit, engaged him to bring the 
preachers regularly every two weeks during the summer and 
early autumn. He continued this practice until he became 
disabled by bodily infirmity. Then one of his sons took his 



INTRODUCTION. 35 

place, and rendered good service, as a careful and competent 
ferryman. 

As long as he lived lie evinced a deep interest in the Island 
people, and claimed an hour or two from the preacher on the 
occasion of his visits to them that he might inquire about their 
temporal and spiritual prosperity. 

His name is a household word, and his sayings are repeated 
day after day among them, as the maxims of their business 
and intercourse. His influence over them was great and for 
their good, while living ; and it is my hope and ardent prayer 
that " being dead," he may yet speak, with authority and suc- 
cess, in doing good to generations yet unborn, by the publica- 
tion of the present memoir. 



THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 



CHAPTER I. 

Sketch of the Islands — First discovery — Captain Smith — Settlements formed 
in Northampton — Accomac and Somerset — Elzey and Revel — Original 
names — Rev. Mr. Massey's sketch — Hooper's Island — Straits — Light 
Boat — Holland's, Smith's, and Tangier Islands — Kedge's Straits — Tangier 
Sound— Oystering — Fishing — Dwellings — Population — Deal's Islands — 
Spring Island — Watt's and Saxe's Islands — Pocomoke Sound — Somers* 
Cove. 

The "Islands" which form the scene of our good 
"Parson's" life and labors, demand some descriptive 
notice, before entering fully on the narrative, to which 
the following pages are intended to be devoted. 

As early as 1607, Captain Smith, in a history of his 
first voyage of exploration, in the Chesapeake Bay, re- 
counts having crossed from the new settlement at James- 
town, Ya., to the Eastern Shore, and after various ad- 
ventures, discovered certain "Isles, Rivers, Straits, and 
places for harbors and habitations," which we have no 
difficulty in identifying as the present Tangier, Smith's, 
Holland's, and Deal's (or Devil's) Islands, with the Sounds, 
Straits, and prominent landmarks, thereunto belonging. 

Their modern names do not correspond with the orig- 

37 



38 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

inal, but of the localities there can be no doubt from a 
perusal of the quaint narrative of this expedition. 

For half a century after this first intrusion of the 
white man, both the Islands and adjacent main were left 
in the comparative solitude in which they were found : 
early colonization had encountered so many difficulties 
and reverses. 

A few settlers had, after the lapse of years, approached 
the inviting coast of Northampton and Accomac Coun- 
ties, Va., and gave such good report of the heritage they 
had found, that, about the year 1650, the population in 
those places had become sufficiently numerous to admit 
of emigration farther up the course of this noble Bay ; 
and we find by reference to the early histories of Mary- 
land, settlements were made in what shortly after was 
called Somerset County. Two adventurers named Elzey 
and Revel led the van, and were speedily followed by a 
considerable number of settlers. Somerset County was 
formed in 1666 ; and included many of the Islands to 
which allusion will be made. For two hundred years, 
therefore, this part of the State has had a settled so- 
ciety, inheriting from their ancestors, who, by reference 
to the original names, were all English, a quiet, thrifty, 
and enterprising character. 

The first dwellers on the Islands, were principally 
families from the settlements in Somerset, and the Vir- 
ginia main, bearing similar names, and keeping up their 
affinity and intercourse by the common interests that 
bound them together. Of these names, the more promi- 
nent about the period of the American Revolution were 
Thomas, Tyler, Evans, Crockett, and Parks, whose de- 



SKETCH OF THE ISLANDS. 39 

scendants remain, and are the most numerous at the 
present day. 

Within the memory of many now living, the popula- 
tion of these Islands has largely increased, not only in 
numbers, but in enterprise, wealth, and intelligence. For 
a description of the characteristics of the inhabitants, 
and their modes of gaining "a comfortable livelihood," 
in the isolated situation which they occupy, we are in- 
debted to a careful paper prepared and furnished by 
Rev. J. A. Massey, who has for many years been in- 
timate with the places and people he describes. He 
writes : 

" The south eastern part of the Chesapeake Bay is 
called Tangier Sound. This beautiful sheet of water is 
about forty miles in length, from north to south, by 
about five to ten miles in width, from east to west. It 
abounds with fish and fowl, and is separated from the 
main bay by numerous small islands. The most north- 
ern of these is called Hooper's Island, in Dorchester 
County, Maryland. This is a long, narrow strip of land, 
occupied by a hardy and active population. Hooper's 
Straits, to the south of this Island, separates it from a 
small group called Holland's Islands, as fertile and pleas- 
antly situated as any in the Chesapeake Bay. The 
arable land is not very considerable, hence the popula- 
tion is not large. They have a small Methodist Church, 
where meetings are regularly kept up, and a good society 
is maintained. 

" Hooper's Straits are a great thoroughfare for ves- 
sels bound up the Bay, from the Nanticoke, Wicomico, 
Manokin, Annamessex, and Pocomoke Rivers, and the 



40 THE PAKSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

various creeks along the Eastern Shore, emptying into 
the Tangier and Pocomoke Sounds. The channel of these 
Straits is narrow and crooked ; and, to aid in their safe 
navigation, a Light Boat, having an excellent lantern at 
the top of its masts, is moored on the point of one of its 
bars. 

South of Holland's Islands, and separated therefrom 
by Kedge's Straits, lie Smith's Islands. This group is 
densely populated, notwithstanding the great area of 
marsh land which it includes. In these Straits a des- 
perate engagement took place in the days of the Revo- 
lutionary struggle, which ended disastrously to the 
Americans. 

There is a light-house on Fogg's Point, commanding 
Kedge's Straits ; and centrally situated, there is a neat 
Methodist Episcopal Church, at which there is an average 
membership of about one hundred. Richard Evans, 
(long known as King Richard,) and his brother Solomon, 
were the leading men in this society for a great many 
years. Both are now gathered home. A broad expanse 
of shallow water, about five to ten miles wide, separates 
Smith's Islands from the group called Tangier, in Acco- 
mac Co., Va. I do not know whether this group gave 
name to the Sound, or the Sound to it. This was the 
early residence of Joshua Thomas, and the scene of his 
first public labors, as an Exhorter and Local Preacher. 
Here was the site of many large, popular, and gloriously 
successful camp meetings. It is also famous as the 
place where Cockburn's forces were encamped, during 
his predatory warfare on the villages near the Chesa- 
peake. On the spot where the camp meetings were 



SKETCH OF THE ISLANDS. 41 

formerly held, the Chesapeake House, for the accommo- 
dation of persons seeking health and pleasure, in the 
heat of summer, from pure air, and salt water bathing, 
has recently been erected, by one of our brethren. This 
house is well conducted on temperance principles. It 
contains twenty commodious chambers for boarders, be- 
sides full accommodations for the family ; and, as the 
bathing place is very fine and safe, it furnishes first rate 
inducements to moral and religious people, to choose it 
as a summer retreat. 

The inhabitants of Smith's and Tangier Islands may 
almost be called an amphibious race ; for nearly all the 
men and boys spend fully half their time (if not in yet) 
on the water. Canoes, skilfully hollowed out of pine 
logs, and constructed with due regard to the purposes 
intended, are very numerous. They are rigged with two 
masts, with sails attached, which can be easily taken 
down or put up, and can outsail every vessel on these 
waters, that is not propelled by steam. When there is 
not sufficient wind for them to sail, the islanders are 
very dexterous in managing them with paddles. 

As a large part of these islands consists of marsh, 
there is not sufficient arable land to sustain the popula- 
tion. Almost every family has, therefore, a small 
schooner, of the class familiarly known as " Pungy," 
which is made the most fruitful means of. its support. 
Much of the time the male part of the population, with 
their schooners and canoes, are employed in catching 
and conveying to market the excellent oysters that 
abound in the Sound and Bay. These were formerly 
almost all (except those consumed by the islanders them- 



42 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

selves) conveyed to the Baltimore market; but of late 
years, numerous Philadelphia, New York, and New Eng- 
land vessels come to this part of the Chesapeake for 
oysters ; and the Island craft, released from the business 
of transportation, do a very remunerative trade in 
" dredging." 

This is a mode of catching oysters in deep water, by 
means of large iron bags, formed of a kind of chain 
work, with a firm open mouth, the bottom part of which 
is a kind of rake. One of these dredges is slung to 
each side of the vessel engaged in this work, so as to 
drag on the bottom, as she glides under easy sail to and 
fro, across the surface of the " oyster rocks," or immense 
beds, which lie beyond the reach of the rake or "tongs." 
As the dredges fill, they are successively raised and 
emptied on deck, to be " culled," and stowed away for 
delivery on board the northern schooners, that are lying 
at anchor, ready to receive them. 

The other and former mode of catching oysters, is 
with tongs, which are formed of two iron rakes, united 
to long wooden handles, which move on a pivot like 
pincers or scissors, and open or shut by the movement 
of the hands. They are frequently so large that they 
will take up at one time, about a peck of unculled 
oysters. In this business more than half the year is 
spent by these islanders. Even a part of the hot 
weather of summer, when the oysters are not so good or 
wholesome, and when it is unlawful for them to be taken 
to the cities, the Island schooners are employed in taking 
oysters from their natural beds, where frequently they 
lie too thickly to thrive, and in "planting them out," in 



SKETCH OF THE ISLANDS. 43 

new situations, more favorable for their growth. These 
new beds are staked out and claimed as the property of 
those who planted them. In a few months the oysters 
may be raised again, (for their improvement under such 
circumstances is very rapid,) and sold to the northern 
vessels or conveyed to the cities. 

When watermelons are in season, the island vessels 
are employed in carrying them to Baltimore and else- 
where, and across the Chesapeake. They grow abun- 
dantly in Annamessex, Virginia, and on the islands, and 
are profitable to those who cultivate them. 

But the oyster business is their main dependence. It 
has been conjectured that the supply, in the Chesapeake 
waters, must soon fail, in view of the immense quantities 
taken up annually, and the increasing facilities with 
which they are obtained. But they have held out for 
scores of years ; and there seems very little probability 
that this providential product for these interesting is- 
landers, will be cut off for many generations, if ever. 

The islanders are all expert fishermen, and manage to 
catch a good supply, of numerous delicious kinds of the 
finny tribes, as they come and go, in their waters. The 
principal mode is with hooks attached to long hand lines, 
so that when a very large and strong fish takes hold, 
they can let a considerable length of line run off, and 
allow the fish to weary itself, before they attempt to 
pull it into the canoe. 

Sometimes as the fishing season advances, the vessels 
make trips to the best fishing grounds of the bay, and 
( atch large quantities of fish ; these they salt away in 
Darrels for their own use and for sale. 



44 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

In these various ways the hardy islanders generally 
make a good livelihood, and not a few of them amass 
considerable property. They are much attached to their 
island homes, and by relationship, are closely allied to 
each other. As the children grow up and marry, a 
part of the paternal acres is set off for the new family, — 
another little dwelling is erected, and soon adorned with 
its surroundings of shrubbery, garden, potato patch, and 
lot of Indian corn. By degrees each island is thus assum- 
ing the appearance of a scattered village. On Tangier 
Islands, there is hardly a point from which some twenty 
or more dwellings may not be seen, each freshly painted 
white, with fancy colors to set off the contrast. 

In the youth of Brother Thomas, when he resided 
here, dwelling houses were comparatively few and far 
between, and much inferior, as to style and comfort to 
the present class of residences. 

Deal's (or as they were formerly called Devil's) Islands, 
are two in number, and are situated to the N. E. of Tan- 
gier, near the main, and not between the Sound and the 
Bay. Though the name by which they are now known 
is a contraction of "Devil's;" yet the orthography for 
thirty years has been quite well settled in "Deal's." 
Kev. D. Dailey while P. E. of the District, used to in- 
sist on spelling the name in this way, lest there should 
seem to be a recognition of Satan's having some right 
to, or property in them. 

The larger one, (on which there is a good sized Metho- 
dist Church, and where camp meetings have been held 
most of the years since 1828,) is about three miles in 
length, by one in width. It is a very productive soil, 



SKETCH OF THE ISLANDS. 45 

suitable for almost any species of grain, fruit, or vege- 
tables. An immense quantity of sweet potatoes is raised 
there, as also a large yield of corn, and some excellent 
wheat. 

But the population, (numbering nearly one thousand,) 
like that on the smaller islands, has to depend more on 
the water than on the land for support. 

This larger island is separated from the main land by 
a narrow strait, formerly crossed by a ferry — now by a 
substantial bridge. The little Deal's Island, where Bro- . 
ther Thomas spent many of the last years of his life, is 
separated from the larger, by a similar strait or '.< tho- 
roughfare." This island contains about twenty acres of 
arable land, besides a large body of marsh. It was pur- 
chased a number of years ago by Mr. Thomas, and his 
brother-in-law, Aaron Bradshaw, and was divided be- 
tween them ; each erecting a dwelling on his part of the 
island. Subsequently, Mr. T. let his son Seymour have 
a part of his end of the island, and ever since, there 
have been three residences on it. Their occupants at 
the present time are Mrs. Thomas, widow of Rev. Joshua 
Thomas, Wm. Seymour, his son, and Solomon Evans. 

There are several other islands near those that have 
been described above, that may be worthy of notice. 
The principal of these are Spring Island, a beautiful 
spot near Holland's, and for many years the residence 
of Bro. T. Parks ; and Great, and Little Watts' Islands, 
midway between Tangier and the Accomac shore. On 
Little Watts' Island, there is a beautiful Light House, 
and a neat residence for its keeper. It has no other 
dwelling on it. Great Watts' Island has three families. 



46 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

These islands separate between the Tangier and the 
Pocomoke Sound. This latter sound runs from east to 
west, from the mouth of Pocomoke River, between Ac- 
comae Co., Ya., and Somerset Co., Md., and is about 
three or four miles wide by ten or twelve long. Near 
its centre lies Saxe's Island, having a sufficient popula- 
tion to make it one of the preaching places of Atlantic 
Circuit. Its inhabitants, in their mode of living and 
general habits, very much resemble the other islands 
herein described. 

On the Somerset side of Pocomoke Sound is " Somer's 
Cove," the terminus of the projected E. Shore Railroad, 
the completion of which may be expected in a year or 
two, and which, when finished, will open a rapid communi- 
cation between the cities of Philadelphia and Norfolk, Ya. 



BIRTH AND BOYHOOD. 47 



CHAPTER II. 

Birth of Joshua Thomas — " 76" — Potato Neck — Father and mother of Joshua 
— His Grandfather a Patriot — Death of his father — Removal to Tangier 
Island — His stepfather — Love for his mother — Address to children — He 
learns to pray — A drunkard's home — Neglect, poverty, and sorrow — No 
bread — "Remember the poor" — Success in fishing — The Canoe — Death 
of his stepfather — The bottle of brandy — Anecdote — He hears Lorenzo 
Dow — " The Lord is here" — Last days and happy death of his mother. 

"I WAS born," says Joshua Thomas, "in Somerset 
County, Maryland, on the 30th day of August, 1776." 

The stirring life which the following pages are de- 
signed to unfold, it will be observed, began in stirring 
times. In the memorable year of the nation's nativity, 
and close upon the day of its immortal " Declaration," 
may be found the date of Joshua's birth. He lived to 
witness over "three score and ten" of its returning 
anniversaries, and gave evidence in numerous ways of 
that trait, which was not the least excellent and remark- 
able in his character, — a love for his country. 

It may not be regarded as unimportant, to state the 
exact locality of his birth. To ascertain this, required 
considerable investigation. Most persons intimate with 
him, supposed he had been born, as well as raised on 
Tangier Island. He simply designates " Somerset 



48 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

County," and leaves the particular neighborhood inde- 
finite. 

If the birth of an illustrious person reflects renown 
upon the locality where it occurred, and the good and 
great of earth are claimed with pardonable pride by 
those among whom they had their being, the credit be- 
longs to Potato Neck, and to its worthy inhabitants the 
honor of this event. 

"Potato Neck" embraces one of the most intelligent, 
enterprising, and populous communities in Somerset 
County, or on the eastern shore of Maryland. It has 
been termed the "garden spot" of Methodism, and by 
at least one minister well acquainted with the place, 
" The Land of Beulah !" 

Here on the day specified, the man, whose biography 
we attempt to write, was born. 

His parents were John and Martha Thomas. His' 
mother's maiden name was Hall, a lady of striking 
personal beauty, and greatly beloved by all who knew 
her. 

The grandfather of Joshua had espoused the Ameri- 
can cause, in his country's struggle for freedom, and 
was at this time a soldier in one of the Virginia bat- 
talions, where he shortly afterwards died, amid the 
perils and privations of camp life ; bequeathing to his 
posterity the memory of his patriotism, and that only. 
His services were never recognized or remunerated by 
Government, in any way that benefited his family. This 
may have been the result of neglect in application. 

John Thomas, the father of Joshua, had been formerly 
a school teacher. This was an occupation of considera- 



BIRTH AND BOYHOOD. 49 

Lie importance at that time. He afterwards joined a 
brother, named William, who was captain of a vessel, and 
became a sea-faring man. His family lived during this 
period in Potato Neck, where he also resided in the in- 
tervals of his voyages. 

He died suddenly during one of these visits, and the 
occasion of this deplorable event, it is said, was some- 
what as follows : "He was about leaving home, and 
after his vessel had been made ready to sail, went ashore 
to take leave of his family and friends. Being barefoot, 
he was bitten by a small dog belonging to a Miss "Waters. 
The wound was trivial, and did not threaten any serious 
consequences. He committed his wife and children to 
the care of Divine Providence, and, leaving them in the 
society of their friends, proceeded on his voyage. 
Reaching Tangier Island where his relations lived, he 
and his brother went ashore, as was their custom, to pay 
them a short visit before going to sea. By this time the 
wound on his foot, or ankle, had become painful, and 
from this insignificant cause, mortification set in, and 
death speedily ensued." 

The doleful news was borne across the sound to his 
bereaved widow, with the last loving message of her de- 
parted husband : "I am going to heaven, bring the 
children up to fear and serve God." 

This charge the stricken mother now addressed her 

energies to fulfill. She removed to the island, where a 

comfortable subsistence had been provided for her, and 

by untiring industry and economy for three years, was 

doing well, until a dark shadow fell upon, and blighted 

her being, in the person of a second husband, who, 
4 



50 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

though at first a " clever sort of a man/' standing fair 
in the community, and "well to do," in a worldly sense, 
became dissipated and neglectful, ending in habitual 
and reckless drunkenness. 

The manuscript of Mr. Prettyman contains, in his own 
words the main story of Brother Thomas' childhood and 
youth : — 

"My mother," says Joshua, "was a hard-working 
woman, and tenderly loved her children. She did all 
she could to make them comfortable. I loved that mo- 
ther with devoted fondness, and as I became able, I took 
delight in doing all I could to help her ; for the Lord 
put it into my heart to be a thoughtful child, and to 
obey her in every thing." 

The recollection of those days remained distinct with 
him, down to old age ; and often, when addressing large 
congregations, and noticing children in the assembly, he 
would awaken their attention by a well-timed anecdote 
of his boyhood, and then speak to them, thus : — 

" Now, dear children, let an old man, and a father, 
who has seen a great many days, and experienced a great 
many changes, exhort you to be good. Love your pa- 
rents and obey them, as the Good Book tells you. Think 
how they love you, and how much they have done and 
suffered for you. Consider with what tenderness and 
care your mothers watched over you, when you were lit- 
tle babes in their arms. When you were sick, they could 
not sleep, but sat by your pillow night and day. Some 
of your fathers may be dead, as mine was, and you may 
be little fatherless children as I was. Oh ! pity your 
poor sorrowing mothers, who have the double burden of 



BIRTH AND BOYHOOD. 51 

father and mother upon them. How happy will your 
mother feel when she finds you willing to help her and 
please her ! God will smile on you too, and bless you, 
and cause you to be happy and prosperous in the world : 
don't forget this." 

Narrating the incidents following his mother's second 
marriage, he would say of his stepfather : — 

" He used us very well for a time, and having some 
property of his own added to mother's, he appeared to 
have good management, and was steady and kind. But 
the refugees came along and burned our house down, 
and destroyed nearly everything we had in the world. 
This had such a bad effect on him, that he became harsh 
to us, and took to hard drinking, and never done much 
for us afterward." 

Joshua was then about five or six years of age, and 
through all the successive years of his youth, until he 
was grown up, he had the misfortune to be in contact 
with that dissolute stepfather. Their home was a 
miserable little cabin, their clothing scanty, their food 
scarce, and the desolation which intemperance brings, 
had darkened all their previous joys. His poor mother, 
with an increasing family to care for, and her husband 
often away on his drunken frolics for weeks at a time ; 
or, if at home, treating her with rude indignities, had her 
cup of sorrow full. Yet she taught her children the 
fear of the Lord, and that trust in him, which formed 
their only stay and comfort. * 

Many a touching reminiscence of those days of want 
and woe, he took occasion to tell, in the ear of listening 
thousands in the brighter days of his after life. 



52 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

" TTe suffered more than tongue can utter, and only 
for our kind neighbors we should have been still worse : 
for though they were poor, they were some better off 
than we were, and they pitied my poor dear mother and 
her ragged little boys, and brought her meal and other 
things, to keep us from perishing." 

One of those neighbors used to tell an instance of 
the endurance and spirit of the little boy "Joshua." 
He said, one cold snowy day his wife looked out and 
saw a small moving object approaching the house. As 
nearer it came she discovered that it was the boy Joshua, 
without a cap, and feet bare : besides being but very 
thinly clad. He had tracked his weary way against the 
storm that morning, to say that they had no bread at 
home. For several days they lived on oysters and 
crabs, which the boys would pick up around the shore, 
at low water. Xow the snow and ice cut off that re- 
source, and he had come to look for something for his 
sick and sad mother. Tears came into the good woman's 
eyes when she saw the little fellow, and heard his artless 
story. 

"Are you not almost perished?"' she said, as she 
urged him to come in. 

" Oh no," said he, "I am quite warm." 
" But your feet must be nearly frozen":" 
•• Xo indeed, I don't feel the cold at all." 
It is needless to say. his visit resulted in timely relief. 
The infatuated stepfather became more and more 
negligent of his family, and was a perpetual source of 
annoyance to them, and the entire neighborhood. He 
made way with everything he could turn into money, to 



BIRTH AND BOYHOOD. 53 

purchase rum ; and became such a fearful specimen of 
what intoxication would make a man, that the example 
stood out like a flaming beacon, before his children, and 
happily none of them chose the same course ; but rather 
avoided all contact with the destroying liquid. He had 
been rescued from drowning repeatedly, by his neigh- 
bors or his own sons, and at length bought his last 
bottle full. 

He had a curious kind of flask, left by some of the 
British, and with this, and a dollar he had by some 
means obtained, he crossed the Pocomoke Sound to 
Accomac ; there he bought his dollar's worth of brandy, 
drank half of it at once, and started in his canoe back to 
the island. He never reached it. His craft was found 
drifting along the shore, and his body was subsequently 
recovered, and buried in a lone grave on the sandy beach 
of Accomac. 

Connected with this, there is a curious combination 
of circumstances. He had been mourned at home, but 
not forgotten by his widow and children. They often 
talked of him. Joshua one night had a peculiar dream, 
and prepared in the morning to go across the Sound, ex- 
pecting some tidings of his body. He met an acquaint- 
ance near the Pungoteague, who told him he had seen 
his father floating past that day. Joshua landed, and 
on inquiry found that the body had drifted ashore. He 
assisted in the sad burial, and turning homeward he 
picked up the veritable bottle his stepfather had in his 
canoe, with the brandy still in it. This he carried up to 
the house of the gentleman on whose premises Prouit 
had been buried, and placing it on the mantel, requested 



54 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

liim to inform every person visiting him, whose it was, 
and how it came there, "and," said he, "perhaps in 
that way it may do some good." 

The merchant who took the dollar for brandy, when 
he heard that the unfortunate man was drowned, became 
troubled about it, and wished Joshua to take the money 
back. This he indignantly refused, and the money was 
given to some poor person, who had no knowledge of its 
history. 

Joshua and his little brothers became, at a very early 
age, expert fishermen, and could bring home a good 
supply of wild fowl in their season. In this way actual 
want was kept at bay, and the mother, comforted in the 
industry of her children, endeavored to make her lot as 
pleasant for them as possible. It was, however, a stern 
discipline, a rugged road, the path in which Joshua 
Thomas learned to advocate the cause of the poor ; and 
in his ministrations, and in his own family, ever inculcate 
a sympathy with suffering ones, and an unmitigated 
loathing for intemperance. The iron that entered his 
mother's soul, wounded his also, and made him a weighty 
advocate for total abstinence. 

" Train up the children that God may bless you with," he 
would say to his own sons and daughters, as they became 
married, and about to depart from his roof ; " train them 
up, as I have tried to raise you, and never allow them 
to go to frolics, or to touch liquor !" 

Those who delightedly listened to his camp meeting 
exhortations, will remember how frequently he was wont 
to advert to his early days. While the wealthy crowded 
around to hear, he would recall the days when pinching 



BIRTH AND BOYHOOD. 55 

poverty was the incentive to his late and early toils, 
and address them thus : 

" Dear friends, you have abundance of this world's 
blessings, and it may be that there is a poor starving 
family in your neighborhood. Oh, be kind to the poor ! 
If you would know the purest pleasure a human heart 
can enjoy, be good to the poor. If you would have the 
benefit of prayers that reach the ear of Jesus soonest, 
and put gladness in the cup, where want and sorrow has 
left nothing but bitter dregs; — if you would make 
mothers such as mine tell their children when they say 
the Lord's prayer at night, to ask God on your behalf ; 
— and if you want something comfortable against your 
own times of pain and death ; don't forget the poor." 

"It may be," he would add, "that there is some 
poor unfortunate drunkard near where you live; do 
you ever think of his wife '( She is worse than a widow, 
and may not have a bit of bread to keep her and her 
children from crying themselves to sleep at night. God 
bless you ! don't turn a cold look on her, and refuse her 
some little help in time of need." 

In the Prettyman narrative, we find the following : 
" I must tell you of a particular case of suffering : At 
one time we were many days without bread, and my 
little brother, Joshua, and myself went along the shore 
and picked up something to satisfy our hunger. I soon 
became sick, having no bread to eat, and my mother 
was much concerned about me. She gave me some 
medicine, which helped me a little, but the sort of 
medicine I wanted most was bread. "When my step- 
father came home from the main, he brought some meal 



56 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

■with him, and we were all so glad to see such a thing 
again. 

"Mother quickly had some dumplings made and boiled, 
and 1 never tasted anything so sweet and good as those 
Indian dumplings did then. In a few days I was re- 
stored to good health. 

" I desire to exhort a little here. 

" Children, you who may read what I have told of 
my sufferings, how thankful you ought to be to your 
heavenly Father, that he has always given you bread, 
and to spare. Oh ! be grateful for your daily bread, 
and pity poor children who may sometimes have none. 
Take your little basket, dear young friends, and ask 
your parents for bread, that you may carry some to the 
poor. You cannot conceive, understand, how they and 
their mothers will love you and bless you for it." 

On the islands where his boyhood was spent, the 
canoe is an indispensable convenience in every family. 
The land is so interwoven with creeks, and cut up with 
water courses, that in many places a visit to one's next 
door neighbor can not be paid without the necessary 
canoe. Neither can the people attend Divine worship, 
or perform their ordinary business and intercourse with- 
out it. What the cart or carriage is to residents on the 
main, the canoe is to the islander. Great taste is 
shown in the model, rig, and annual painting of this kind 
of craft, and from infancy almost, the people become 
adapted to their management under sail, or with the 
paddle. A landsman would be amazed to see one of 
these small boys out in a gale, perched on the windward 
side, and almost blown out of water, riding the rolling 



BIRTH AND BOYHOOD. 57 

billows, and. looking as unconcerned as if on his ac- 
customed cricket in the chimney corner. 

Joshua became a skillful canoe navigator, and also a 
successful fisherman. The neighbors would take him 
under their protection, as they went off to their fishing 
grounds, and instruct him in all the arts and mysteries 
of hooking the crocus or trout that abounds in these 
waters. Sometimes he would " strike" a drum fish, so 
large that he could not lift it into his boat without as- 
sistance. When able to go out alone, he never failed in 
securing a good supply of fish, and was regarded by all 
who knew him, as a surprising boy, for industry and 
good luck. 

Here is a notable incident, revealing that trait in his 
character, which may have been the great secret of 
his "good luck:" 

"What I am going to relate now may appear strange 
to you, but it is a fact. Before I knew anything about 
experimental religion, I was in the habit of praying to 
God, to direct me where the fish might be found, that I 
might catch them. 

"New fishing places would be presented to my mind, 
and I always went to them, and found my impressions 
had never deceived me. I generally obtained abundance 
of fish. When I caught one I always pulled off my hat, 
kneeled down in my canoe and thanked the Lord for it, 
and asked him to give me another; this practice I kept 
up continually. I often had all the fish I wanted when 
others caught none. I was ashamed to pull off my hat 
and kneel in the presence of others ; therefore, I chose 
to go away from all the fishermen, that I might feel 



58 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

free to pray and give thanks. I followed the same 
plan to find and shoot wild fowl, praying first to be 
guided where they were, and when I shot and killed any, 
down, I went on my knees in the marshes and sometimes 
in the mud, and offered my thanks to the Lord. In this 
way by the blessing of God upon my labor, I was 
enabled to do a good part toward supporting the whole 
family." 

A great change has come over the islands since the 
distant day we are now dwelling upon. Fishing and 
catching or killing wild fowl is still necessarily a branch 
of business followed by the provident; but there are so 
many new ways and means to make a living, and such 
facilities of trade have sprung up, that wealth has been 
realized as the reward of industry ; and luxury, in many 
an instance, may be found, where, at that time, it took 
all a man's thrift and economy to procure the commonest 
necessaries of life. With the influx of trade and money, 
however, it is to be feared, there is not a corresponding 
recognition of the Author of all good, and a continuance 
of that simplicity and sincerity which characterized the 
people of Anno Domini, 1800. 

They were by the force of circumstances deplorably 
ignorant of letters, and had very indistinct notions of 
the "truth as it is in Jesus," but they were morally 
honest, and lived, as a general thing, up to the light 
they had ; a thing which can hardly be said of any com- 
munity at the present day. 

To show the indefiniteness of his early ideas about the 
nature of the Divine Being, Brother Thomas often re- 
lated an anecdote which invariably made his hearers 



BIRTH AND BOYHOOD. 59 

laugh; but his object was to magnify the grace that 
brought him and his neighbors out of darkness into 
marvellous light. 

"Although I said the Lord's prayer regularly, and 
was in the habit of seeking guidance and good from his 
hand, I nevertheless had no correct knowledge of his 
nature or attributes. I could not read, never having 
gone to school in my life but two weeks, and grew up to 
manhood entirely unacquainted with the revelation of 
God in his word. 

"I attended a religious meeting in Virginia when near 
30 years of age. Lorenzo Dow was preaching very 
powerful, when a woman in the congregation became ex- 
cited and happy ; she started up shouting aloud. The 
preacher cried out, ' The Lord is here ! He is with that 
sister.' I immediately jumped upon my feet to see the 
Lord, but I could not see him, and concluded within 
myself, i This cannot be true ; for I can see as well as he 
can, and I do not see him. That man must be one of 
these deceivers.' 

"But God opened my eyes soon after, so that I could 
discern him in his Spirit's mighty presence and power." 

Before concluding this chapter, let us follow the 
history of that "dear good mother," until we find her 
after a life of mingled joy and sorrow, sinking down in a 
peaceful and hopeful death, comforted in her last hours 
by her devoted son ; and borne by him to a grave among 
her early kindred in Potato Neck. 

She lived to the age of eighty, and spent her last 
days under his roof. When he removed from the Tangier 



60 THE PAJRSOH OP THE ISLANDS. 

Island, she accompanied him and encouraged him in his 
work and labors of love. One Sabbath morning her 
death was expected. He seemed desirous of remaining 
with her, but she said no. ;; Go Joshua, honey, to your 
meeting, the people will expect you, and the Lord will 
watch over me. "When you return I maybe in heaven." 
He went to his appointment, told his classmates that his 
good old mother was going home to die no more, and on 
his way back, learned that her ransomed spirit had taken 
its flight to Abraham's bosom. 



A CHURCHMAN. 61 



CHAPTER III. 

Becomes a Waterman — "Wants a wife — Prays for success — Is married — 
Builds a house — Happiness at home — Baptism of his child — His at- 
tachment to the Episcopal Church — Parson Reese — Obtains a Prayer 
hook — Learns to read — Family worship — Prejudice against Methodism- 
Troubled by its doctrines — Anecdotes — Wm. Miles — Mr. Gunby — Prayer 
meetings started by Churchmen. 

In the present chapter we shall continue the narrative 
of Brother Thomas, as given in the manuscript of Rev. 
L. M. Prettyman, with such remarks and additions as 
may be deemed necessary to a clearer insight into his 
life and times, and the gradual formation of that char- 
acter which made him afterwards so remarkable. He 
says: 

" When I became old enough to think of making my 
living at some regular business, it was arranged that I 
should go and live with David Tyler, and follow the vo- 
cation of a waterman. He was one of our neighbors, 
and was known to be a moral, good sort of a man, that 
would take proper care of me, and bring me up right. 

"To this man I am greatly indebted for the kindness 
I received from him. He loved me as a father loves his 
own child, and always treated me as a son. I fared well 
as long as I lived with him, though I had many a day's 



"_ THE PAL?::: ;j TBM ESLABD8. 

hardship in cold and storm; bat I hardly minded such 
things at that time. 

u My employer, though like all the Island people, a 
stranger to experimental religion then, was nevertheless 
a strictly moral man, and as far as he knew in what re- 
ligion consisted, he practiced it, and taught it to me. I 
learned a great many good things from him." 

Eef erring to this period of his life, he has stated that 
the first new suit of clothes he ever owned was bought 
for him in Baltimore, by this considerate Captain Tyler, 
and on receiving his new jacket, he pressed his old one 
upon the acceptance of a poor boy that happened to be 
| : tfisffig at the moment. 

His clothing np to this era had consisted entirely of 
contrivances, invented by his mother, and mostly e : in- 
structed out of her own wardrobe. Boots were almost 
an unknown luxury among the islanders at that day, 
and even shoes were regarded as superfluous by those 
hardy and simple people. Xearly everybody went bare- 
foot, so that, if cold pinched occasionally, corns nc 
did, and health was generally of an excellent tone. 

" In this way I lived until I was abont twenty-three 
years of age, when I began to think to myself thu: I 
had rather have a good wife than anything else in the 
world besides. But then I came to the disheartening 
conclusion that I was not prepared to take this impor- 
tant step, having no means to make a wife comfortable ; 
and if I had, I thought surely no girl could love such an 
ignorant and awkward young fellow as I am. 

•• This did not allay my desire, however, and I kept 
meditating on the subject, until I began to pray to the 



A CHURCHMAN. 63 

Lord that I might obtain a wife and some means to sup- 
port her. I also promised if the Lord would bless me 
with a good wife I would begin to serve him better than 
I ever yet had done. I continued praying every day 
about this, and sometimes a hope would spring up that 
my way would become clear. In a short time I heard 
of a certain nice girl who gave some one to understand 
that she loved me ! At this news my very soul was 
transported. I never was so glad to hear anything be- 
fore. It made me feel like a man ! But then would 
come the overshadowing reflection, I am so poor and des- 
titute, what can I do ? I dare not attempt to marry, 
for I have no means to keep house. In this state of 
perplexity I was often on my knees in prayer and tears ; 
and finally concluded I would make sure of the good 
girl that loved me, and marry her, for fear I would not 
have such another favorable opportunity. We were con- 
sequently married." 

This "good girl," was a Miss Rachel Evans, and be- 
came a very devoted wife and the mother of several 
children, of whom are now living John, Elisha, and Sey- 
mour Thomas, and Mrs. Hester Webster of Deal's Island. 
The minister who performed the ceremony was a Rev. 
John Evans, probably a clergyman of what was then 
termed the "old church." 

" After I was married," continues the manuscript, 
" and looked calmly at my situation, I became very much 
scared, and did not know where to live or what to do ; 
until my faithful friend, David Tyler, told me I might 
bring my wife and live with him, and he would still pay 
me for my services, until I could go to house-keeping. 



64 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

This generous offer I gladly accepted, and for three 
years I had a home for my wife with his kind family, 
and with that of my father-in-law : keeping in view all 
that time the hope of building a house of my own, and 
setting up for ourselves. 

" At length I built a small house on Tangier, and hav- 
ing saved some few necessary articles to begin the world 
with, I moved with great joy into my own home. Our 
entire stock of provisions consisted of three bushels of 
meal, and two little pigs. Of furniture we had barely 
enough to make out with. 

" When settled in my own home, I was a happy man. I 
used to watch the smoke curl up my clay chimney from 
the fire, as I lay in my bed, and it looked beautiful. I 
thought I was the happiest man in all the world, with 
all I wanted round me, — a good healthy young wife and 
a nice little son, — my cup of bliss was full to overflow- 
ing. I thanked my God from the bottom of my heart, 
for all the good things he had given such an unworthy 
creature as I." 

He envied no living being as we see him now ; after 
the labors of the day were ended, he could turn his 
steps toward his own sweet home, meet at the threshold 
the glad welcome smile of his wife, and take to his breast 
the first-born of his house, his fine little prattling boy. 
He realized an ample reward for his previous self-denial 
in his youthful days, and had no anxieties about the fu- 
ture. His feelings at that time, found expression in his 
simple form of thanksgiving ; subsequently it would 
have excited his shouting proclivities to an uncommon 
degree. 



A CHURCHMAN. 65 

He had as yet no enlightenment as to his condition 
morally. He had never dreamed of the personal plea- 
sures found in pardoned sin, and the abounding joys of 
experience in Christ Jesus. 

His circumstances, however, had a mellowing ten- 
dency on his susceptible nature, and led him nearer, in 
sincere desire, and conscious duty, to the throne of 
grace. He longed to know and do the will of that Fa- 
ther, which he tried to acknowledge in all his ways, and 
who had mercifully led him on from infancy, to a heal- 
thy and hopeful manhood. 

His industry had been blessed in providing daily 
bread, and adding to the comforts of his humble home. 

The first important event of his domestic life, after he 
commenced housekeeping, was the baptism of his little 
son. The parents had a talk over this matter, and came 
to the conclusion that it was full time, and their reli- 
gious duty to have this act performed. 

Ministers of the P. E. Church had, at long intervals, 
visited and held service among the island people, while 
they occasionally spent a Sabbath on the Main, and fre- 
quented the church. In this way a decent regard was 
kept up, as to the ordinances and form of religion, and 
infant baptism was very generally practiced among 
them. 

Hearing that a minister might be found at a certain 
place, he and his wife, with the babe, crossed the sound 
to Annamessex, and were directed to the house of a Mr. 
Henry Handy, where a Presbyterian minister was, for 
the time being, on a visit. He says : — 

" I had inquired of my friends, who I thought knew 



66 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

more about this matter than I did, as to the nature of 
the ordinance, and how I must do on the occasion. They 
told me the preacher would examine me closely about 
my religion. This puzzled me dreadfully, and set me 
to examine myself, and study out what it meant, and 
what I should say to him. When we came to Mr. 
Handy's, and they found out our business, the minister 
called me out, and we walked together, up and down the 
garden. When we were quite alone, he said to me, l Do 
you believe in Jesus Christ, — that he died for us, rose 
from the dead, ascended into heaven, and will come at 
the last day to judge the world in righteousness ?' I 
was greatly agitated in his presence, but told him I did 
believe these things. He advised me how to live so as 
to be saved, and seemed much interested about me, and 
pleased with my open and simple answers. We then 
went into the house, and he baptized my child whom 
we called John. The ceremony was very solemn, and 
this whole matter made a very deep impression on my 
mind. 

This " impression" accompanied him to the island, 
and moved him to talk with some of his neighbors, about 
their religious destitution and ignorance. They had no 
preaching, or regular worship of any kind on the islands, 
though they were all attached by early predilection to 
the service of the old Episcopal Church which they at- 
tended in Annamessex, and at Pongoteague, in Virginia. 

Methodism about this time had begun to rouse the 
people in various neighborhoods, through its earnest and 
active agencies. The preachers had penetrated all along 
the eastern shore ; great revivals had occurred, — socie- 



A CHURCHMAN. 67 

ties had been formed, prayer meetings started, and con- 
verts were multiplying on every hand. A few churches 
had been hastily erected in central localities, and were 
the rallying points of "this new host, for Quarterly Meet- 
ings and Love Feasts ; but from house to house the work 
was carried ; and in Annamessex alone, the whole com- 
munity, with but very few exceptions, were under awak- 
ening power. The islanders became aware of the state 
of things, but held themselves aloof from the meetings, 
and adopted the early prejudice that arrayed formalists 
against this new element of religious life. Believing 
that it might endanger their peace, and that it threat- 
ened destruction to the church of their fathers, they 
shunned the people called "Methodists," but were in- 
duced to fall in somewhat with the spirit of the times, 
and try to be more religious themselves. 

A Parson Reese, still affectionately remembered by 
many, officiated then in Annamessex. He was sent for 
to preach on the islands, and went across several times 
at the instance of a few of the more intelligent and 
zealous church-men there. Joshua Thomas was generally 
delegated to bring the parson over, and this duty was 
very agreeable to his serious mind. Being so much in 
his company, it attached him very strongly to both the 
minister and the church. He had a good opportunity 
for conversation during these excursions, and improved 
it by asking questions, which the good parson very 
kindly answered, telling him how to be a good man. 

This was his great concern at that time, and when in- 
formed that he must be "upright and honest, keep the 
Sabbath day holy, and attend church as often as he 



68 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

could" — he set himself to fulfill this outline of duty to 
the best of his ability. The parson also advised hhn 
to get a prayer-book, and have prayer in his family, 
which he soon did, haying by patient and painful appli- 
cation, learned to read a little. He had to send to 
Baltimore to purchase the book, then set up his family 
altar, and tells us "he thought he was all right." 

A contribution was raised for the minister, every time 
he came over to the islands to pay him for his services. 
The amount was from five to eight, and ten dollars a 
trip. 

Mr. Thomas was a regular attendant after this at the 
old chapel which formerly stood near the head of Col- 
burn's Creek, and of which the St. Paul's Church at 
Quindoqua, Rev. John Crossdale, Rector, is a modern 
and thrifty successor. 

He and his neighbors, when on the way to their 
church, generally landed in the vicinity of the old St. 
Peter's Methodist Church, which was one of the first 
erected in that part of the country. 

Mr. Wm. Miles who resided there, and was a promi- 
nent member of the new denomination, related an in- 
cident, showing the prejudice existing in the mind of Mr. 
Thomas against Methodism. 

" The first time I ever remember to have met with 
him," said Father Miles, " was on a Sabbath morning 
near St. Peters. He was dressed in waterman's clothes, 
with a little round hat, a light striped jacket, pants 
rolled up half way to his knees, and his shoes under his 
arm. 

" i "Well, sir,' said he, accosting Mr. Miles, ' can you 



A CHURCHMAN. 69 

tell me if Mr. Reese is going to preach to-day at the 
church?' 

"He will not, sir; for he is gone from home and will 
not return for some time.' 

" 'Then I may as well turn about and go home.' 

" He and Mr. Miles walked on together until they came 
opposite the Methodist Church, when Mr. M. said, 
'We have meeting here to-day, and as you are disap- 
pointed in service at your own church, suppose you step 
in and worship with us.' 

"At this invitation the countenance of Mr. Thomas 
expressed what he did not choose to utter with his lips. 
With a look of disdain, he seemed to say that he would 
not degrade himself so much as to enter the dreaded 
and despised place. He hurriedly started on, as if there 
was contamination in the neighborhood, and reaching 
the landing, spread his sails, and was off quickly for 
home." 

Not very many years after the occurrence related 
above, there was a great gathering at this same St. 
Peters, of itinerant preachers, official members, and new 
converts to methodism from a circle of ten to twenty 
miles around. The eloquent Lawrenson was present. 
Local preachers, exhorters, circuit stewards, and class 
leaders, had met to deliberate, and recount the wonderful 
work of God in them, and through the instrumentalities 
he was was using to spread a knowledge of salvation by 
the remission of sins. 

An Islander took his place among this band of brethren 
that morning, and was introduced by Brother Lawrenson 



70 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

as "Joshua Thomas, an exhorter in the society at Tangier 
Island!" 

In the Sunday lore feast, Brother Thomas told in 
"burning words, the story of his conviction for sin, his 
search after a pardoning Saviour, his emancipation from 
pride, prejudice, and unbelief, and his glorious hope 
of immortality and eternal life. lie shouted a little 
too, "while recounting the great things the Lord had done 
for him. 

An announcement- from the Presiding Elder occa- 
sioned some surprise and much curiosity. It was in 
these words, "A stranger will preach here to-night." 

Who this stranger was, soon became the topic of in- 
quiry, and at the hour for worship, who should he be 
but Joshua Thomas ! He was a very timid man, and 
invariably refused to announce a text when ministers 
were present. On this particular occasion, however, it 
is said Lawrenson rose and announced a text for brother 
Thomas, and he proceeded to preach a memorable dis- 
course, the main substance of which was his own experi- 
ence, before and after he obtained salvation by faith in 
our Lord Jesus Christ. 

This was, indeed, a wonderful transformation and a 
somewhat singular coincidence. The first sermon our 
" Parson of the Islands" ever attempted to preach was 
on this quarterly occasion, and in St. Peters Methodist 
Church. 

To return to the autobiography. He tells us: "When 
I and a few of my neighbors set up the family altar, and 
read the prayers which were pointed out as proper by 
our minister; it satisfied our conscience pretty well until 



A CHURCHMAN. 71 

we heard the Methodists preach, and talk about regen- 
eration. 

" I began to get troubled about something, I knew not 
what. I hated their new doctrines, but the more I 
thought on them the more I was torn to pieces and con- 
vinced that I yet lacked one thing, that my formal, 
prayers and good works would avail nothing without 
real conversion, a change of heart from sin to holiness. 
These people said, ' I must be born again, and made a 
new creature in Christ Jesus,' I did not comprehend the 
meaning of this, and tried hard to think they were under 
a delusion about religion. 

" I continued my prayers and duties, as our Church 
minister told me, and would sometimes wear off my 
troubles, until again and again the truth would open my 
eyes to a view of myself as a poor, lost sinner, destitute 
of the life, power, and comfort of that religion which 
others professed." 

A gentleman residing in Annamessex at this period, 
a Mr. Gunby, gave the following statement : — He was 
well acquainted with Mr. Joshua Thomas, and always 
considered him a very sincere and honest man. He 
frequently lodged with him when he came from the 
island to attend church. 

The Methodists were gaining ground very fast. Great 
revivals had swept through Accomac and many parts of 
Somerset. Camp meetings had been started, and pro- 
duced a wonderful effect on the popular mind and heart. 
The people would crowd to the meetings, full of preju- 
dice, fall under the word, and start into new life. Con- 
verts were accustomed to go from one house to another, 



72 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

holding meetings for prayer and singing, and sometimes 
whole families were powerfully converted. 

Under these circumstances Parson Reese, the Episco- 
pal minister, advised him (Mr. Gunby) and others of his 
church to hold prayer-meetings too, which they at- 
tempted to do, but were not very successful. When Mr. 
Reese came round again, he inquired how the people 
liked the prayer-meetings. Mr. G. replied, " Our folks 
say they do not want such meetings, they resemble too 
much these d — d methodist revivals, and must stop." 

This Mr. Reese was a God fearing man in some good 
degree, and said he believed the Methodists were partly 
right, and wished his people to be like them. He could 
not prevail on them, however, to keep up prayer-meet- 
ings, and with tears in his eyes expressed himself to Mr. 
G. thus : "I know that this way is right, but what can 
I do ? I am a poor man, and have no other means of 
support. I am dependent on these careless rich men, 
and I can do nothing with them that would induce them 
to forsake their practices and become humble inquirers 
after spiritual religion." 

"Mr. Thomas was with us," continued Mr. Gunby, 
and attended some of our prayer-meetings, but merely 
sat and looked on without taking any active interest in 
the exercises, farther than that he seemed desirous of 
obtaining instruction and religious benefit." 

In this state of uncertainty he continued for some 
years, until God, by the strivings of his Spirit brought 
him "by a way which he knew not," into enlarged en- 
joyment, and true gospel liberty, and prepared him to 
be an instrument in his hands of signal good to others. 



THE PUNGOTEAGUE CAMP MEETING. 73 



CHAPTER IV. 

Revivals on the Eastern Shore of Virginia — Rev. Thomas Smith — Dr. 
Chandler — Pungoteague Camp Meeting — Joshua Thomas attends — His 
sensations — Hears Lorenzo Dow — " An Earthquake" feared — Disturbance 
at the meeting— Arrest of the wrong person — Mob raised — Managers ar- 
rested — Fined two thousand dollars — Rules and regulations for Camp 
Meetings adopted — Effect of Methodist influence on Joshua— He prepares 
to attend another meeting. 

The memory of those wonderful seasons of revival 
that attended the first camp meetings held along the 
eastern shore of Maryland and Virginia, and which fol- 
lowed the labors of Methodist preachers about the be- 
ginning of the present century, is growing indistinct, 
and will soon have passed into oblivion, unless a historian 
be found who may choose this fertile field, and rescue the 
remarkable scenes of those days from fading out of the 
mind of the Church. 

One aid is left us in the " Life of Rev. Thomas 
Smith," by the late Rev. David Dailey, by which the 
measure of that amazing power and influence which es- 
tablished Methodism in Virginia may be ascertained. 
The brief record from Mr. Smith's own journals, of the 
revival of 1800-1, in Accomac and Northampton, will 
prepare our minds for certain events which properly be- 



74 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

long to the period we have reached in the history of 
Joshua Thomas. 

The opposition of "the world, the flesh, and the 
devil," to this astonishing work of grace, was inveterate; 
but infidelity, formality, and the most obstinate preju- 
dices melted away before the earnest preaching of that 
gospel which was the "power of God unto salvation." 
Conversions are reported by hundreds ; persecutors be- 
came fast friends and valiant defenders of the faith ; and 
many families, of the first grade in society in that part 
of the" Old Dominion," avow themselves to be adherents 
and professors of the religion of the cross. 

Camp meetings were established soon after Dr. 
Chandler took charge of the lower district, and were re- 
markable for good order for a time, and for great sim- 
plicity in diet, dress, and religious worship. 

No place possessed such attractions for the pious of 
that period as the "tented grove;" and companies tra- 
veled far, in those days, to witness the displays of awak- 
ening and converting power which attended the preach- 
ing of the gospel, and to help in those efforts which 
availed to spread the holy influence of prayer and praise. 

A camp meeting was appointed to be held near Pun- 
goteague early in the month of August, 1807, and to 
this occasion we clearly trace the first thorough convic- 
tions of Joshua Thomas. He was present by accident, 
or rather, by that Providential guidance which marked 
all his movements. It was a very large and, generally, 
successful meeting, though greatly interrupted by an out- 
break of disorder, and an unhappy sequel which has 
made it memorable. 



THE PUNGOTEAGUE CAMP MEETING. 75 

Large numbers were in attendance from various points 
up and across the bay. Vessels were chartered from the 
Manoken, Annamessex, and other rivers ; and companies, 
consisting mostly of recent converts, crowded their decks 
to visit the meeting. 

We shall let Mr. Thomas describe the train of circum- 
stances by which he was thrown into the genial society 
of these voyagers, and at length found himself a personal 
observer of the manners and usages of a people every- 
where spoken against. 

It will be discovered that he was brought in contact 
with Methodism under such a form and spirit, as was best 
calculated to break the force of his deeply rooted preju- 
dices, and greatly increase his desire to be a partaker 
with them in "like precious faith." 

He says: — 

" I was out in the Sound, one day, in company with 
several of my neighbors engaged in fishing, when three 
vessels were seen approaching us. Each of them was 
crowded with people, but where they came from, what 
their business was, or whither they were bound, none of 
us at that time knew. They laid their course close by 
the fishing grounds, and hailed us to buy our fish. We 
disposed of all we had to spare, and they engaged a Mr. 
Crockett and me to pilot them into Pungoteague creek. 

" I went on board one of the vessels, and never in my 
life met with such affectionate and clever people. They 
had everything that was good to eat, and each began to 
invite me to partake with them. One said, i Come and 
eat with me,' and another said, 6 You must eat with me.' 
One very nice looking lady said, < You shall sit right 



76 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

down here, iny victuals are all ready, so help yourself.' 
So- 1 sat down and she sat by my side and began to help 
me to everything that was nice and good. It was the 
best eating I ever enjoyed before. This lady was so 
kind and loving in her manner that I began to watch 
her closely, for I thought such familiarity in a stranger 
did not seem exactly right. But I soon discovered 
plainly that she was a pious, good woman, and then I 
was not so shy, but felt quite comfortable and free among 
them. 

"After eating and drinking, I went ashore to prepare 
for a trip with them next morning as pilot. They all 
came to anchor just opposite my house, which was quite 
near the water, and about sundown they began to sing, 
and then to pray, and kept on singing and praying until 
sometime in the night. All our men, and the women, 
and children came down to the shore to listen to this 
strange and most delightful music. It was the most 
charming we had ever heard. The sounds seemed to 
fill the whole air, and we thought it heaven on earth. 

"Our people could have staid there all night long, 
listening to the sweet hymns and wonderful prayers 
which resounded over the waters. 

"In the morning John Crockett and I went on board, 
and they up anchor, and stood down for Pungoteague. 
We piloted them up the creek where a lot of vessels had 
already arrived, and then went up with them to a large 
grove, where we found what appeared to be a wonderful 
sight to us. 

"There were a great many tents in a circle round, and 
seats made for people to sit on. There was a place built 



THE PUNGOTEAGUE CAMP MEETING. 77 

up with boards for the preacher to stand when he 
preached, and a great crowd of people moving about and 
talking together, while some were sitting in tents singing 
like the people on board the vessels. 

"Every one appeared to be glad to see us, and shook 
hands with us, inviting us to stay with them during the 
meeting. Pretty soon they had preaching, and the most 
singular looking man I ever saw was the preacher that 
time. His name was Lorenzo Dow, and it was while he 
was preaching as I told you before, the woman became 
happy and shouted aloud, when he said, 'The Lord is 
here! He is with that sister,' and I jumped up to see 
him, if he was there; but could not see anything extra- 
ordinary, except the woman clapping her hands and 
saying 'Glory! glory!' A good many people com- 
menced crying, and some fell on the ground, others were 
talking to them, and telling them to look to Jesus, and 
it was very soon a time of great confusion. 

"After awhile neighbor Crockett came to me and said 
he wanted to leave there and go home, I told him I did 
not want to leave yet awhile, for I began to feel very 
strange, and loved the people who had been so kind to 
us. I continued to watch the meetings, and saw several 
profess to be converted. Another preacher, Dr. Chandler, 
preached a great sermon. His text was, 'Awake to 
righteousness and sin not ; for many have not the know- 
ledge of God ; I speak this to your shame.' 

" The word took eiFect on my mind somewhat, and con- 
vinced me that I had not the knowledge of God, and 
with all my good resolves, I knew I often fell into sin. 
I do not knovf but that I might have learned the way of 



78 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

salvation had I remained, but Crockett kept at me to go 
home. Said I, 'Let us stay and hear and see more of 
it.' 'No/ said he, 'we must go; for if we stay here 
much longer, there will be an earthquake, or something 
awful, and we shall all be destroyed.' 

" He appeared to be in such distress and alarm about 
the shouting, and singing, and people falling all around 
us, that I consented to go, and we went off together, 
and returned home to the island thinking about these 
things." 

Happy for him — we think, that he did leave just at 
that juncture. Had he remained a little longer, the 
scene that transpired at that meeting would have re- 
vived his prejudices, and perhaps defeated the new 
emotions which were awakened in his mind about per- 
sonal religion. 

The scene we refer to was an unhappy disturbance of 
the camp, by a gang of wild and wilful persons, who 
would not be persuaded to leave the place, and who 
greatly interrupted the order. 

Dr. Chandler was a strict, and very systematic man, 
and had his rules always obeyed to the letter. The 
managers of this meeting, acting under his orders, 
arrested the ringleader of the lawless ones, (as they 
supposed,) and proceeded to tie this person and imprison 
him in a temporary gaol, they had constructed for evil 
doers. Here they kept him under guard all night, while 
his friends were mustering their excited forces around, 
and threatening a general attack on the encampment 
with the avowed purpose of breaking it up. 

Much anxiety prevailed while this state of things ex- 



THE PUNGOTEAGUE CAMP MEETING. 79 

isted. Several scuffles took place, and a preacher named 
Chambers from Baltimore received a blow on the head 
or face that made the blood flow. He immediately took 
his stand on the outside of the circle, and with the blood 
running down his face, preached a powerful sermon, 
which had the effect to restrain the religious persons 
present from all violence in their contact with the in- 
furiated mob who assailed them. 

It was ascertained meanwhile that some mistake had 
been made in the person who had been put in " durance 
vile," and he was released. This partially restored 
order, and the meeting went regularly forward. Next 
day the sheriff of the county with a large posse arrived 
on the ground, and placed Dr. Chandler and several 
others under arrest for a breach of the peace, or false 
imprisonment; and they were bound over to a future 
adjudication of the case. This business resulted in a 
fine of two thousand dollars, which the preachers and 
their friends had to pay. 

That some considerable injury was done to the cause 
of religion we cannot but suppose, yet this affair had a 
tendency to define the position of the friends and foes 
of Methodism not only in Accomac but throughout the 
peninsula, and resulted in a more judicious management 
of camp meetings in the future. 

In the old journal for Annamessex Circuit we find 
the following resolutions passed this year (1807), viz. : 

" That the Quarterly Conference systematize a plan 
by which all our meetings in the woods are to be here- 
after regulated. 



80 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

" That the regulations be printed and entered on the 
journal, and labels printed for the managers and guard. 

" That the Conference preceding each religious meet- 
ing in the woods, appoint five managers, one of whom 
may be appointed chief, who shall attach to themselves, 
as occasion may require in their judgment, as many ad- 
ditional managers as may be necessary ; said appoint- 
ments to be made from members of society or otherwise, 
and the managers shall control the temporalities of the 
meeting." 

The first office, many who are now our oldest and most 
honored men in the Church ever remember to have re- 
ceived, was that of either manager, guard, or " dog 
whipper," at these woods meetings, and the printed label 
attached to the hat or coat breast, was, in their young 
days, regarded as a badge of great distinction. 

We have an account of four great woods meetings this 
memorable year. One in Potato Neck, one in Anna- 
messex, one at Pungoteague, and one at Todd's Chapel. 
The Church militant retains several of the converts of 
those meetings, while hundreds have joined "the general 
assembly and church of the first born" in heaven. 

The managers of the Potato Neck meeting were 
Francis Waters, Senr., James Waters, Lazarus Maddux, 
Wm. Waters, Wm. Colbourn, Hance Lawson, Dr. Robert- 
son, Samuel Smith, David Wallace, H. H. Curtis, Wm. 
Boggs, Jarvis Ballard, Isaac Handy, and James Benson. 

We left Mr. Thomas at his home on Tangier Island, 
pondering seriously the new questions elicited in his 
mind by what he had observed and felt under the word, 
and in the prayer meetings at Pungoteague. His neigh- 



THE PUNGOTEAGUE CAMP MEETING. 81 

bor Crockett was troubled in spirit too. An undefinable 
sense of dread had taken possession of his soul ; and, 
though he fled from the meeting, the Spirit still rested 
on him until the earthquake came sure enough and broke 
up the fallow ground of his heart. 

He was soundly converted shortly afterwards, as we 
shall find in the course of this narrative. 

The religious movement had now commenced, and, like 
rising waters, it rolled in on the inhabitants of the 
islands until their own meetings became as remarkable 
as any that had preceded them. 

Some of the inhabitants had been over to the Potato 
Neck meeting in the early part of the summer, others 
were preparing to attend the Annamessex meeting, now 
drawing nigh ; — and to this meeting we must take our 
readers in the next chapter. The spot where it was held 
was, at that time, called "Williams' Woods," near the 
place now known as Roachville. The old woods have 
long since been cut down, the ground cleared up, and 
the spot is now a cornfield, where so many seeking souls 
could sing : — 

" How happy every child of grace, 
The soul that's filled with joy and peace, 
That hears the fruit of righteousness, 
And kept hy Jesus' power ; 
Their trespasses are all forgiven, 
They antedate the joys of heaven; 
In rapturous lays 
Shout the praise 
Of Jesus' grace 
To a lost race 
Of sinners, brought to happiness 
Through th' atoning; blood of Jesus." 



82 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

Numerous camp meetings were held there subse- 
quently, and greatly aided in building up the Church 
and bringing into the fold many of those who were 
" afar off," in "trespasses and sins." Several prominent 
adherents of the "old Church" were about this time 
converted, and joined the communion of the Methodists, 
in which they lived and died. 



HIS CONVERSION. 83 



CHAPTER V. 

Camp Meeting in Annarnessex — Mr. Thomas resolves to attend — His uncle 
Levi's warning — Arrives at the meeting — Cautious against imposition — 
Will not have religion in the Methodist way — Great display of power — 
He takes to the woods — Prays alone — Falls down — Becomes discouraged 
— Mr. Wiltbank — " Behold the man I" — Goes to the mourners' bench in 
the right spirit — Believes— Feels a mighty change— "Loves everybody" — 
Begins to " cry out and shout" — Exhorts all night — Sorrow at breaking 
up of the Camp — Returns home happy — Shouts through the corn — Prays 
without a book — Tells his joy to all around. 

"It was much on my mind from this camp meeting," 
says Mr. Thomas, "to go to the next one, which, we un- 
derstood, would be in a few weeks on the Main in Anna- 
messex, lower part of Somerset County, Md." 

Several motives prompted this desire. He had an in- 
tensely craving mind for information, and the stirring 
exercises of the meeting he had just reluctantly left, 
haunted his memory night and day. How people could 
pray without a book, or preach without a sermon written 
out before them, or exhort with words unstudied and in- 
telligible, that thrilled him in a manner to which he was, 
up to that time, an entire stranger ; and, especially, how 
people became as happy as they seemed, there in the 
woods, with hundreds looking on, and listening to their 



8-1 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

exclamations of hope and joy — this was, to the man 
Joshua, a phenomenon, an unaccountable mystery. 

Then, again, his heart was won to this loving people. 
Despite his prejudices, their cordial Christian spirit dis- 
armed him ; their singing left sweet echoes sounding 
through his soul, and brought him into spiritual contact 
with higher and holier orders of intelligence. He 'had 
heard of angels, but now he seemed to apprehend some- 
thing of their nature and service. His dreams revelled 
in companionships with those "round about the throne," 
and their kindred, as he felt assured those were, who 
sang so beautifully and praised God so heartily on earth. 

But his chief reason for going to the next camp meet- 
ing was to learn the way of salvation more perfectly. 
The spirit said " Com?," in its direct influences. God's 
eye was on the ardent, simple-hearted Islander, and 
without apprehending the importance of this step, or its 
vast results to himself and others, he set out for the 
"next camp meeting." 

Not, however, until he had tried to influence some of 
his immediate friends and neighbors to accompany him. 
When the time drew near, he says : 

" I wanted them to go with me, but could not prevail 
on them to do so. So, after my wife had prepared me 
something to eat, and some provision to take along with 
me, I set off alone. On the way I had to pass the house 
where my uncle lived (Levi Thomas). He was in the 
door, and as I was going by, he said, " "Well, nephew, 
where are you going ?' 

" 'I am going to camp meeting, uncle.' 

" 'Have you nothing to do at home ?' said he. 



HIS CONVERSION. 85 

" 'Yes, sir,' I replied, ' I have plenty to do.' 

"'Well, you had better go back and do it. If you 
go there, they will have you down to worship them. They 
are nothing but a parcel of Irishmen, who have run away 
from their own country to keep from being hanged. 
They have great laming, and know no other way to get 
a living but going about raising the devil by their preach- 
ing, and carrying on ; and then make people worship 
them and give them money !' 

"I said, 'No, uncle, they will not get me down to 
worship them.' 

"'Now, nephew, let me tell you — stop a moment — 
when I lived up yonder in Dorchester, there was as nice 
a little church and congregation as you ever saw, and a 
nice minister too ; — and one Sunday morning, just as the 
Parson was commencing his service, one of these men 
rode up and hitched his horse under a great oak tree be- 
fore the church door, and halloo'd, — you might have 
heard him a mile — " Choose ye this day whom ye will 
serve !" This so frightened the people, that some of 
them ran out of the church, and the Parson was so dis- 
turbed, he could not go on with his prayers, and he went 
out to the man and begged him to be still and not dis- 
turb the worship. He promised he would, and staid 
under the oak till the Parson finished the service ; and 
just as the people were coming out of the church door, 
he roared out again, like a lion, " Choose ye this day 
whom ye will serve /" One old woman cried out, " I will 
serve the living God!" "Come on then," said the 
preacher, and they all went and stood round him. He 
preached and halloo'd there for nearly an hour, and you 



86 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

might have heard him a mile off. You never heard the 
like ! He tore the Church all to shivers, and they could 
never get a congregation there again, for he went into 
converting the people, and our Church went entirely 
down.' 

" 'Well, uncle,' I said, 'I am not going for any harm, 
and I don't think they will do me any injury.' 

" So I traveled on to where my canoe was, thinking 
over what I had heard. I did not like the thought of 
having my Church tore to pieces by these fellows, and it 
made me more cautious than ever." 

That caution assumed the form of incredulity, and 
greatly retarded the operations of the Spirit on his mind, 
when he found himself within the circle of influence at 
the meeting. He began, as a critic, determined not to 
be imposed upon, but to investigate the whole procedure 
of conversion ; and, if possible, remodel the arrangement 
for his own particular case. But hear him : 

" It was on Friday that I reached the camp. Every 
thing was arranged in fine order about the ground. The 
number in attendance was very large, and the worship 
was going on in a very solemn and impressive manner. 
I listened to everything they said with great care and 
attention, and watched very closely all that was going 
on in the meeting. I was determined not to be deceived, 
and that none of them should put a spell on me, to make 
me fall down and pretend to be converted. 

" Several sermons were preached, and exhortations 
delivered, to all of which I paid good attention ; for I 
really desired, if there was such a thing as conversion, 
to have my heart converted. I was opposed to having 



HIS CONVERSION. 87 

this done in their way, that was, at the mourners' bench, 
or altar, in public, where the eyes of so many people 
would be fixed upon me. I wanted the blessing in secret. 

" And now I know this pride and bashfulness hinder 
many from seeking and being saved. They are con- 
vinced, and feel their need, and they sincerely desire to 
be converted ; but being unwilling to confess Christ be- 
fore men, they grieve the Holy Spirit ; he leaves them, 
and they are lost ! 

" My dear young reader, I beg you will never give 
way to that temptation, or allow bashfulness to hinder 
you from your duty. This is one of the most danger- 
ous delusions of the enemy. 

" During Saturday some were converted ; one of my 
neighbors, — who came after I started, — among the rest. 
(John Parks.) I then began to feel very uneasy, and 
much coDcerned about being changed in heart. I went 
into the woods alone, and prayed that God would con- 
vert my heart, but felt no better. I returned again into 
the camp, still praying secretly to be converted. 

" I felt so bad on Saturday night that I concluded I 
would go and kneel down with them at the mourners' 
seat, and try it once, determined that I would not fall 
nor cry out, as I had heard and seen others do. When 
praying persons came to talk with me, I would not let 
them, but rudely elbowed them off. I staid there some 
time, trying to pray secretly, until I became discouraged, 
and concluded there was no reality in being converted ; 
and so I arose and went away. 

" On Sunday morning there was a great meeting, and 
many professed to be born from above. They shouted 



$8 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

all over the ground, and many fell, and lay as dead on 
the earth ; when they recovered they began to praise 
God wonderfully. I watched all this, and thought much 
upon the scenes I witnessed. 

" I went away into the woods again, a great way from 
the camp, the crowd, and noise, and tried harder than 
ever to pray, and get the blessing of a new heart there 
alone. After struggling a long time in prayer, and re- 
ceiving no answer, I concluded I would try what virtue 
there was in falling ! So I looked me out a smooth 
place that was free from roots and sticks, that I might 
not hurt myself in the fall, and kept my eye a little over 
one shoulder to see how to fall and not hurt myself: I 
then came down full length on the earth. I lay about 
ten minutes, praying to God to convert me there ; and 
receiving no answer, I arose completely discouraged, and 
very impatient besides. 

" I felt almost ready to declare, ' I do not believe in 
their way of being converted, and I will try no more.' 
I was sullen, and stubborn, and gave way to a wicked 
feeling of discontent, but all this time my wretchedness 
was increasing. 

" Many a time since that memorable Sabbath have I 
thought over the blind perversity of my will, and the 
utter ignorance I was in, with reference to the gospel 
plan of salvation by faith. I never see a poor mourner 
in Zion, without feeling my heart melt in love and sym- 
pathy for him. Oh brethren ! you who labor with poor 
seeking ones, to point them to the Lamb of God, don't 
get impatient with them because they do not seem to go 
right, as you know the way, to the cross. The old en- 



HIS CONVERSION. 89 

emy holds a fierce contention over and with them, and it 
is hard sometimes to dislodge him from the heart in 
which he has long reigned. Step by step the sinner 
must grope his way, until he feels entirely humbled and 
lost. Then Jesus comes, and the glimmering light begins 
to break, when his soul believes firmly, and trusts fully 
in the merits of the Saviour. In a moment the heavy 
burden is gone, and the soul is filled with joy.. 

" But I must go on and tell you how it was with me. 
A Mr. Wiltbank preached in the evening, which was to 
be the last sermon. I did not like his looks very well at 
first ; he had a rather hard looking face, and was given 
to speak very loud and broad. As he went on in his 
discourse I began to like him better. He put it on the 
Methodists pretty hard. I was pleased with that, and 
thought he was candid and honest, and had the right 
spirit. 

" As he became more and more animated in his sermon 
toward the close, I felt something rise up within me, and 
say to me, ' Behold the man ! see how he is moved by 
the Holy Spirit !' While he was preaching there, I 
obtained faith that I should be converted. I gave up 
all my whims and notions about having it done in secret, 
and made up my mind fully to have it in the Methodist 
way, if the Lord would forgive and convert me. 

"The confidence that He would, became strong and 
unwavering. I felt something drawing me right to the 
feet of Jesus. Immediately on the invitation being given, 
I went to the altar, and kneeled down and began to lift 
up my voice in earnest prayer, that God would then 
convert my heart, and set me at liberty. 



90 THE PARSOX OF THE ISLANDS. 

" Blessed be his name ! I did not wait long before I 
felt a gracious change run through ruy whole being. I 
did not say a word about what 1 felt then to those about 
me, nor rise from my knees, but continued kneeling and 
wondering at the mercy and goodness of God. While 
thus engaged in the midst of the mourners, and silently 
adoring my loving Saviour, my half-brother came for- 
ward and kneeled close by me, bathed in tears. Some- 
thing said to me, ' Do you love your brother V I said, 
'Yes, I do ;' and I never felt such love before. I reached 
out, and took him by the hand to speak to him, but that 
moment I was so filled with the Spirit of life and love, 
I could not help shouting to the glory of God with all 
my might. It struck me in a moment, as quick as a 
flash of lightning, and my soul was filled unutterably 
with heavenly transport. 

This was the first time I ever cried out in prayer or 
praise, in a congregation, but it was not the last. Xo, 
thank God ; I have felt a heart to praise him, and have 
done it since that night, more times than I can number. 

4i ' Hosanna to Jesus ! my soul feels him precious ; 

In bright beams of glory he comes from above. 
ATy heart is now ghA\ ing, I feel his love flooring, 
I'm sure, that my Jesus I really do love.' 

" As soon as this transport was somewhat abated, I 
rose up and began to tell all the unconverted I met, 
what God had done for me, and to exhort them to go 
and seek the Lord ; for he would have mercy upon them. 

"I went all over the camp ground in this way, telling 
everybody what a happy change I had experienced, and 



HIS CONVERSION. 91 

urging them to pray for it immediately. The whole 
night I spent in this manner, and sinners fell in heaps, 
in different parts of the camp, crying to God for deliverance. 
A great many were converted that night, some of whom 
have gone home happy, and others are on the way with. 
'their faces thitherward.' 

" On Monday morning the camp was broken up, and 
we were all about to depart to our respective homes. 
Here was a new scene, and a new sensation to me. I 
came with curiosity, fear, and cautiousness, lest these 
people should deceive me. I fortified myself against 
what I imagined was their wild or wicked delusions ; but 
oh what a change ! Sorrow now filled my heart at the 
thoughts of parting. I cried like a child that had been 
whipped. Some passed by, and said, ' What makes you 
cry so V I answered, ' I want to die here, I love the 
very ground, and cannot bear the pangs of parting with 
these loving brethren and sisters !' 

" With a heart full of love and sorrow, — love because 
God had pardoned my sins and converted my heart, — and 
sorrow because I had to part with my new found brethren in 
the Lord, and go to dwell among unconverted men, — I 
left that dear spot, that precious place, where from above, 
I first received the pledge of love, and started on my 
journey home. 

" I went to Mr. H. Handy's to spend the night. Dur- 
ing the silent hours, I was up several times and prayed, 
and was very happy all night. In the morning I prayed 
with the family in my stammering way, as well as I 
could — telling them what the Lord had done for my 
soul. I then bid them farewell, and crossed the Sound 



92 THE PARSON OP THE ISLANDS. 

to Tangiers. I found my wife and children well, and 
prayed with them for the first time without a book, and 
praised God some time for the wonderful things I had 
felt and seen." 

The friends of Brother Thomas, who were familiar with 
him in his active days of labor in the cause of the Re- 
deemer, will be glad to find the preceding narrative in 
his own words, although they will miss many items 
from his account as given here, that they have heard 
from his own lips. The story of his conversion was the 
ground- work of all his public ministrations, and like the 
Apostle Paul, he made it telling, in the conviction of 
careless sinners, and to the consolation, of sincere inquir- 
ers after God. 

He sometimes intimated, while referring to his blun- 
ders when seeking religion, that it was the devil who 
baffled him, and at one particular juncture hurled a knot 
of pine wood at his head which he barely escaped. 

There is an account of his meeting with his family, 
after his conversion, that goes farther in detail than his 
own brief allusion. It is said, when he met his wondering 
wife out on the path, and told her the glad news of his 
change, he began to shout, and shouted on until he 
traversed the lot in which some very luxuriant corn was 
growing. His wife became concerned to see him act so 
"singular," and alarmed lest he might break down all 
the corn. A neighbor came running over to see what 
was the matter, and finding him still at it, among the 
corn, called on him to desist or he would ruin his crop. 

When they came to examine the damage, it was ascer- 
tained that he had not trodden down a single hill, or 



HIS CONVERSION. 93 

broken one stalk, although he had been nearly all over 
the patch, "leaping and praising God." 

It will be observed that he began to pray in private — 
several times during the night after leaving the camp 
meeting; and also that he took up the cross next morn- 
ing in the family where he lodged, and held family 
prayer. 

These two duties marked all his Christian life in an 
eminent degree. His great power with God and with 
men was gained in secret at the mercy-seat, and in 
social life around the home altar. He lived by prayer 
and humble faith, and rarely, in all his travels, if ever, 
crossed a threshold, without commending the family 
with all its members, connections, and interests in prayer 
to God. 



94 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Brother Thomas begins to hold meetings on the island — Thomas Crockett — 
First prayer meeting — All day at it — Conversion of neighbor Crockett 
— Souls saved in the absence of a minister — Seymour and Lee — Tent 
meeting — The revival on Smith's Island — Solomon and Richard Evans 
— Great meeting at Richard's — Sinners quake and run — The devil after 
them — Rev. "Wm. Evans — Anecdote — The dance displaced by prayer meet- 
ings — The old orchard — Aunt Charity's dream — A church organized. 

As soon as Brother Thomas returned from the meet- 
ing where he had found "the pearl of great price," he 
felt moved to exhort his neighbors to "flee the wrath 
to come." His soul was in a constant ecstasy. He 
literally 

— "Praised the Lord both night and day, 
And went from house to house to pray, 
And if he met one on the way — 
He always something found to say, 
About this heavenly union." 

From this time dates the religious awakening which 
spread from Kedge's Straits to Tangier Beach, and visited 
every home and heart on the islands, with the call, in 
the language of the apostle, "Awake thou that sleepest, 
and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee 
light." 



REVIVAL ON THE ISLANDS. 95 

Referring to his own narrative again, we find Brother 
Thomas inaugurating prayer meetings among his own 
immediate neighbors, which were successful in a great 
degree, in "preparing the way of the Lord," and leading 
the minds of both young and old to a clearer apprehension 
of true religion than they had previously entertained. 
Such was the respect paid this man by those who knew 
him, that the people implicitly follow his directions. 

" Thomas Crockett, my neighbor, had always been a 
good moral man, and for some years read prayers daily 
in his family. All his neighbors thought well of him. 
I called at his house and said — ' Brother Crockett, you 
and I always went together : now I have been to the 
camp meeting and God has — understand — converted my 
soul. I never was so happy in all my life before.' He 
said he believed, and commenced crying, and his wife 
cried, and said they were sorry they did not go to the 
meeting with me. 

" I told him we must have our neighbors called together, 
and commence worship with them — that he must read, 
and I would pray and talk to them about religion. He 
said he was willing to do what he could, and we agreed 
to have meeting the next Sunday, and gave notice to all 
the people to meet early on Sunday morning. When 
Sabbath came, all the people turned out — men, women, 
and children, and T. Crockett read a chapter, and I 
called on my cousin J. P. to pray first, as he was con- 
verted before me ; while he was praying, I fell down on 
my face and lay there weeping, and asking God to save 
the people, and help us to feel more for their souls, and 
be instrumental in leading them to the "ark of safety." 



96 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

When the first prayer was over, I told them all to sing, 
and this they tried to do. every one of them ; men and 
women, boys and girls, all joined in, and sung with all 
their might — the hvmn was one most of them had lately 
learned and it went off well ; then Brother Crockett and 
I prayed one after the other, and we continued praying 
and singing for more than six hours ! 

" I told them the next Sunday they must take a light 
breakfast, and do without dinner ; for it would do them 
good to fast, and spend the whole day in religious wor- 
ship, and God would feed our souls." 

Fasting became at this early period in his religious 
experience a regular duty, and one to which he attached 
great importance, as long as he lived. He would abstain 
from food, frequently a whole day. when under concern 
about some personal matter of difficulty in his perception 
of truth or duty, or when he had an appointment of more 
than ordinary importance to fill. 

During the long series of years he ministered at Rock 
Creek, statedly on Sabbath mornings, it is said he never 
took anything to eat until after his labors were ended, 
which often occupied the entire day. 

Rev. L. W. Nottingham, of Northampton Co., Virginia, 
in a letter to the compiler, containing a number of in- 
teresting reminiscences, states that he heard him, in an 
exhortation on Deal's Island, advise the people, if they 
wanted a revival of pure religion, to fast as well as pray 
for it. " He said the Devil delighted in full Christians. 
If he could only induce them to eat a great deal, he 
knew they would not work much ! or exercise that faith 
that was necessary to please God. Devils were cast 



REVIVAL ON THE ISLANDS. 97 

out by prayer and fasting ; and a certain kind by that 
means alone." 

His Sunday meetings progressed until the third one ; 
an account of which we will let himself narrate : 

" The third Sunday we all assembled as usual, and 
when brother Thomas Crockett began to read, he was 
struck with such powerful conviction that he could 
hardly see for the big tears which began to flow from his 
eyes. He soon fell down on his knees, and prayed 
and wept so bitterly that his friends began to pity him ; 
for they thought he was good enough. So he was, you 
understand, as far as the 'form of godliness' went ; but 
now the power came, and his blind eyes were opened. 
He told them to look to themselves, for he felt that he 
must be converted or he could not be saved. He con- 
tinued to cry for converting grace, and did not seek in 
vain, for God came down among us, and set him at 
perfect liberty that day. This meeting closed about 
the going down of the sun, and was powerful to convict 
careless sinners, many of whom went away praying." 

The converts now began to multiply, and it was a 
subject of new astonishment to Joshua, that souls should 
be saved, in the absence of the regular preachers, and 
under such circumstances as then surrounded them. He 
thought a minister of the gospel, a necessary instrument 
in saving souls, and none were likely to be converted, 
unless in this legitimate way. It now occurred to him, 
however, that God could use, and would bless any and 
every instrumentality employed for this end, and do 
the work when, and wherever sinners believed in the Lord 

Jesus Christ. 

7 



98 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

Two local preachers from Accomac, Va., Rev. Wm. 
Seymour, and Rev. Wm. Lee, hearing of the meetings, 
among the Tangier people, came off from the Main, one 
Saturday, bringing a tent, which they set up in a little 
hammock of trees near the house of Thomas Crockett. 
Word was quickly sent up to Smith's Island, and the 
people of that vicinity invited down to the Tangier tent 
meeting. Many of them came on Sabbath, which was 
" as one of the days of the Son of Man." 

Brother Thomas describes it : — " Brothers Seymour 
and Lee, preached and exhorted both day and night, and 
the power of the Lord was there displayed, to wound 
and heal ; — to kill and make alive ; and eight or nine 
persons were happily converted. 

" This was the most glorious day the island people 
had ever seen ! Indeed, it was like a paradise below — 
a heaven on earth." 

This brother Seymour was a most estimable man — 
widely known in the church as a zealous and devoted 
laborer ; as was also his colleague, on that, and many a 
similar and subsequent trip, — brother Lee. One of 
brother Thomas' sons, born soon after, was named 
William Seymour, to perpetuate the recollection and 
love which his father cherished for the good man after 
whom he was named. The name of William Lee, also, 
is still familiar, through a similar means. Among the 
many who bear it as their Christian appellative, is the 
Rev. Wm. Lee Dalby, now and for many years a prom- 
inent member of the Virginia Annual Conference of the 
M. E. Church South. 

These good local preachers repeated the.ir visits several 



REVIVAL ON THE ISLANDS. 99 

times, and never without some seal's to their ministry, 
which was "m demonstration of the Spirit, and with 
power." 

The effect of the tent meeting on the upper end of the 
island range, was not less striking and salutary. Solomon 
Evans had been to a camp meeting in Potato Neck the 
year previous, and there " tasted of the good word of 
life,'" under a sermon by the Rev. Solomon Sharp. 
Richard, his brother, had always favored the Methodists, 
and had attended a number of the great meetings in 
Annamessex and Accomac ; these two men took a prom- 
inent and leading part in the revival on Smith's Island. 
At the house of " King" Richard, a prayer meeting was 
appointed. The people had assembled from every part 
of the island. 

A local preacher named David Wallace, "a large 
corpulent man with a voice like thunder, and a zeal 
which nothing could intimidate or turn aside from its 
purpose ; was invited down from his home on Deal's 
Island, to attend the meeting. Hance Lawson, another 
valiant soldier of the cross, from lower Annamessex, 
and an exhorter of great power, was also there. 

The meeting was opened by the latter, with an account 
of what God was then doing among the people, and an 
exposition and defence of Methodist doctrine. Wallace 
followed, and while he exhorted, the house was shaken, 
a cry was raised in doors, and the panic spread among 
the crowd outside, until sinners were stricken down as 
by lightning. 

Brother Thomas, and some of his converted neighbors 



100 THE PARSON OE THE ISLANDS. 

had come up, expecting to have a great time ; and they 
were not disappointed. The Lord of Hosts was there. 

Under the exhortation Richard's wife was convicted, 
and fell, crying aloud for mercy. At this there was a 
great alarm, some tried to get out at the door, but the 
pressure of the crowd outside prevented them ; several 
women escaped through a window, and ran about, be- 
lieving, as did many others, we are told, that the devil 
was there and hard after them ! 

Some of the men took to their heels ; and one, Zach- 
ariah Crockett, ran about two miles, when he suddenly 
stopped, remembering he had forgot his hat and his wife ! 
and retraced his steps, still in a run. When he arrived, 
old Mrs. Evans had obtained the blessing, and was shout- 
ing, while her daughter, Zach.'s forgotten wife, was down 
praying. He " gave in" and tumbled on the floor a con- 
quered sinner. This same man became afterwards a 
good Christian, and lived and died an exemplary member 
of the church. 

Rev. Wm. Evans, long a resident of Smith's Island, 
and a companion in travels and labors with Brother 
Thomas, — now residing in Northumberland County, Va., 
■ — was at that time quite young, but remembers the day 
distinctly. In a conversation recently with the writer 
he said — " I shall never forget the first and the second 
time I saw Brother Thomas, and the contrast between 
these two occasions. The first time I ever laid eyes on 
him, he was engaged dancing at a great ball or frolic 
held at my father's (' King' Richard Evans') house. 
The second was in the marsh grass alone praying ! 

" At the dance referred to, he outstripped all his com- 



REVIVAL ON THE ISLANDS. 101 

petitors among the young people of the islands, in agil- 
ity, gaiety, and general good humor. He was dressed 
in a roundabout, and had moccasins on his feet, made of 
raw-hide, and laced tight, to enable him to dance. He 
had the name of being in his young days the best dancer 
on the island, and was the soul of every gathering for 
that kind of amusement. 

" The next time I saw him was several years after- 
ward, on the eve of the great meeting, where the ball for- 
merly was held. I was going across the marsh, and 
came upon him praying there, without a soul near him. 
I was much startled at first, and greatly astonished at 
the contrast in his appearance. He looked at me very 
kindly, and asked me whose son I was. I told him, and 
he exhorted me to be a good boy, and obey my parents." 

This was soon after his conversion, and during a visit 
from the Tangiers, to help in the meeting referred to. 
We can account for the unusual agency of the Spirit ac- 
companying the word in those days, when men came to- 
gether praying along the way for the salvation of their 
friends and neighbors. 

A few of the good old church folks remained skeptical, 
and attributed all this to a delusion of the devil. "We 
thought so," said they, when word came that the brother 
Evans' Pungy, which had been sent with the preachers 
to their homes, after the meeting, was capsized on her 
return, in the Sound. " We told you this was the devil's 
doings, and now you see how it has turned out ; this sort 
of religion won't do, it will break us up and ruin us." 

This state of prejudice and alarm, however, did not 
continue long. " The devil and all his works" on that 



102 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

island, had reigned with undisputed sway so long, that 
many were blinded, until the light of truth revealed 
their true condition. The onset of gospel artillery speed- 
ily put the foe to flight, and gained the day for Jesus, to 
whom be glory, and dominion, " from sea to sea, and 
from the river unto the ends of the earth." 

The next meeting of note, on the upper end of the 
island, was held at a place called the "old orchard," 
where Severn Bradshaw now resides, and in the imme- 
diate vicinity of the neat, commodious Methodist Church, 
where the people have ever since statedly worshiped God. 

At that early day there was a pine forest there, and 
as the location was eligible and central, it was pitched 
upon as a place for a " three days' meeting," and the 
people again assembled, this time in larger numbers ; for 
they came from Holland's Island, Tangier, and several 
places on the Main. 

The laborers were Hance Lawson, Ephraim Price, the 
father of Methodism on Holland's Island, Richard and 
Solomon Evans, and Joshua Thomas, of course. 

He was in the work soul and body. " It was curious 
to watch him," said an old lady who remembered all 
these occurrences distinctly, (Mrs. Denard Evans of 
Deal's Island,) to the writer, " he was so happy that he 
did not know what to do with himself, or to keep a limb 
of him still!" 

Before this meeting closed, a dream of one "Aunt 
Charaty Thomas," related before it began, was remarka- 
bly verified. She dreamed " the tops of the trees were 
all white as down, and glistening like silver, and that 
she saw them covered over with sheep and lambs !" 



REVIVAL ON THE ISLANDS. 103 

" Break forth into singing, ye trees of the wood, 
For Jesus is bringing lost sinners to God." 

The sensations of a soul, after its transition from dark- 
ness and doubt, into the light of God's reconciled face, 
— when it looks out on nature, — the trees, and fields, 
the stars above reflected in the dancing water, and the 
objects of a diversified landscape, — all are new, peculiar, 
and glorious ! Every leaf seems to convey a lesson of 
love ; every flower, a fresh ingredient in the flowing cup 
of joy ; and sea and sky seem to be in happy harmony 
with the disenthralled spirit while it sings : — 

" Oh, the rapturous height 
Of that holy delight, 

Which I feel in the life-giving blood, 
Of my Saviour possessed, 
I am perfectly blessed, 

As if filled with the fullness of God." 

So felt many at the close of that meeting. 

In this locality the Ark seemed to rest. A house was 
purchased and prepared for worship on the site conse- 
crated by the conversion of souls, and a society formed, 
which is still in existence, and is in a highly prosperous 
condition. 

The old house was afterwards remodeled into the 
more sightly and convenient style of a church. This 
building was burned down by accident, and replaced by 
the present edifice, which was dedicated by the Circuit 
Preacher, Rev. V. Smith, in 1855. 

The brothers, Richard and Solomon Evans, were for- 
ward in every good word and work, from the time they 



104 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

espoused the cause of Christ until they finished their 
course, respectively, at, or near the age of one hundred 
years. We shall treat the reader to a few of their tra- 
ditions of the Revolutionary and last war with Great 
Britain, in a subsequent chapter. Their devotedness to 
God brought them a rich inheritance in personal conso- 
lation through a protracted life, — in the piety of their 
children, and their children's children, to the third and 
fourth generation, and in the glorious prospect, which, 
dying, they realized of a " better country, that is, a hea- 
venly, ' ' beyond this vale of tears. Their memory is blessed, 
and their works and prayers, in the influence their sons and 
daughters are exerting on the community, (who were con- 
verted early through their example,) do follow them on 
to their rest on high. Rev. William Evans, a local 
preacher, already referred to, is a son of Richard, and 
is a man of extraordinary power and pathos in the pul- 
pit ; he has moved thousands, in past days, to flee for 
refuge and lay hold on the hope set before them. He 
is still largely instrumental in well-doing, where he has 
chosen his home and sphere of labor on the western 
shore. We will often meet his name in the following 
pages. Denard Evans, a son of Solomon, a wealthy and 
worthy citizen of Deal's Island, sustains well his father's 
honored name. 



TANGIER ISLAND CAMP MEETINGS. 105 



CHAPTER VJI. 

First Camp Meetings on Tangier Beach — Thrilling scenes — Ten thousand 
present — "Sinners falling all around" — Brother Thomas a Manager — 
Liberal collections — He exhorts on the shore — Pedlars awakened — Rum 
traffic — A drunkard put to sleep — Eight prevented — A Camp Meeting 
without preachers — Remarkable providence — A Presiding Elder befogged 
— He preaches with power — Signal results — The " Parson" happy. 

The first camp meeting ever held on Tangier Island 
was in the summer of the year 1808. This was but a 
temporary affair, projected by Brothers Seymour and 
Lee of Accomac, who had taken a lively interest in the 
religious welfare of the people scattered over that lo- 
cality. By this time a society had been organized, and 
the converts of the previous year were being trained in 
doctrine, discipline, and experience, by the faithful men 
whom God had raised up among them to direct them to 
Christ, and lead them on in holiness. 

The appointment of a camp meeting at their own 
door, and for their own exclusive benefit, was a joyful 
era in the monotonous history of these islanders ; an 
era, too, in the general history of Methodism on the 
lower portion of the Peninsula. Who has not heard of 
the Tangier camp meetings — even before the day of 
"Martha's Vineyard" monster gatherings; and long 



106 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

prior to the celebrated "Ked Lion," or more recently, 
the annual " Camden Union" feast of tabernacles? 

The place suddenly assumed an attractiveness and 
importance which belonged to no other mustering ground 
for the armies of Israel, scattered along the eastern and 
western shores of the magnificent Chesapeake, and from 
the interior of both Maryland and Virginia. 

Even before the war, its fame had become wide spread, 
and its popularity as a place of resort for all classes of 
people established. But who can write its stirring his- 
tory ? who tell its tremendous moral results ? — or enu- 
merate the thousands who were born for glory there ; 
and the tens of thousands who were edified, sanctified, 
and established in the faith of the gospel, as years 
rolled on, for full half a century, on the famous beach 
at Tangier ? 

Never until the last trump shall sound, and the sea 
give back, with every earthly grave, its dead, and the 
Books are opened, will be known the full measure of 
good accomplished by the powerful sermons, the earnest 
exhortations, the pious prayers, and all the combined 
appliances of camp week, for fifty years on this conse- 
crated sand. How many of the ministers, whose preach- 
ing moved masses at this place, have gone up 

— " with joy the shining way, 
To see and praise their Lord ?" 

How many of the people, who frequented this place 
for good, and found it, in repeated baptisms of the Spirit, 
are now numbered with the glorified ? 

And, not oblivious to the other side of the question — 



TANGIER ISLAND CAMP MEETINGS. 107 

how many of the wild, untoward, and reckless, who 
grieved the Spirit, slighted grace, and wickedly rejected 
salvation, have gone the way of all the earth — the way 
of the transgressor — downward to Ms irreparable and 
eternal doom ? 

But thousands are still among the living ; who enjoyed 
the privilege of worship around this camp meeting altar, 
where so many warm hearts, glowing with holy ardor, 
oft knelt to pledge each other, and " vow unto the Lord" 
fidelity to the great Captain of salvation. Would that 
we were able to bring even faintly, and feebly, the light 
of other days across these pages, reviving the gradually 
growing indistinct memories of the fitful past, to stir them 
up by way of remembrance, in reference to the mighty 
works which God wrought in their days — and in many 
of their hearts ; that they may tell it to the generations 
following, and not forget the works of the Lord or the 
wonders of his arm, on Tangier Island. 

In following up the personal adventures of the subject 
which occupies the foreground in these memoirs, we shall 
lay before the reader a variety of facts, names, and in- 
cidents, which naturally intermingle in the design of 
our book, and which have been gleaned in a wide range 
of correspondence, relating to the camps held on Tangier ; 
their sermons, visiting ministers, anecdotes, experience 
meetings, and remarkable conversions. 

To begin with the first, which, as we have stated, was 
held in 1808, Brother Thomas says : 

" We had a wonderful meeting. Some came from the 
Main and joined us ; helping greatly to sing and pray. 
Believing souls were blest in an uncommon degree ; some 



108 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

were soundly converted, and our two good preachers 
(Lee and Seymour) rejoiced together, in the love of their 
Lord, and the progress of the work in this part of his 
vineyard." 

The following year, 1809, he goes on to say : 
u - The news of our first camp had spread up and down 
the bay, on both sides ; and even to Norfolk and Balti- 
more, and we had a general camp meeting under the 
charge of the regular traveling preachers, a goodly 
number of whom were present. (Perhaps Solomon 
Sharp, the Presiding Elder of the lower district, was 
there and had charge.) 

" The people came from every quarter, until large 
numbers were regularly tented on the island, and it was 
estimated at one time that there were ten thousand souls 
under the sound of the gospel. More than two hundred 
sail of vessels, of every conceivable class, size, and rig, 
besides steam-boats, were frequently in the harbor at 
the same time. 

" At some of these meetings, there were such wonder- 
ful manifestations of the divine power and goodness to 
save sinners, that they would be seen in groups, all over 
the encampment, inside the circle and often without ; 
praying, ' Lord, save or I 'perish,' ' God, be merciful to me 
a sinner,' while persons who knew them, and even 
strangers who never saw them before, would gather 
round to sing a hymn, and encourage their faith. No 
scene in this sinful world could surpass, in moral gran- 
deur, that meeting, on some occasions of the outpouring 
of the Holy Spirit ; when everybody you saw would be 
either singing joyfully the songs of Zion, or shouting 



TANGIER ISLAND CAMP MEETINGS. 109 

over their children and friends, newly born of God. The 
beloved preachers used to labor very hard; but a good 
many of them by this time have gained their crown of 
righteousness ; and do not regret the tears and toils they 
spent for their Redeemer, and precious souls for whom 
he died." 

The camp ground, before the war, was said to be a 
not uncomfortable, or unattractive place. There was a 
fine grove of wild cherry, cedar, and pine trees, on the 
spot so barren and bald in later years. These were cut 
down by the British to aid in the construction of their forts 
and camp in 1814. Every vestige of a tree was likely 
to be removed at that time, and would have been, as we 
shall see, but for the intercession of the man they re- 
spectfully called " The Parson of the Islands." _ 

A few pine trees were left standing, and a remnant 
of them are there yet, as a land mark to the coaster, 
and as silent sentinels over the scene of many a thrilling 
conversion. 

Brother Thomas became an official member of the 
*circuit which included Tangier Island, shortly after his 
conversion, as a licensed exhorter, which office he both 
magnified and fulfilled in an unusual manner. He never 
aspired to be more than aji exhorter, though at the 
instance of his brethren and the preachers, Bev, L. 
Lawrenson particularly, he was made a local preacher 
about the year 1814. 

The chief management of the Tangier camp meeting 
was generally conceded to him. No man could raise a 
larger hat collection, on Sabbath morning, than he, when 
announced, as was invariably the case, for " outside the 



110 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

tents and along shore." He came in from these incur- 
sions on the liberality of outsiders, toward supporting 
the gospel, almost loaded with the essential specie. 

As the meetings enlarged, and began to embrace mul- 
titudes whose object was pleasure or gain, the preserva- 
tion of order became a matter of grave moment. While 
Methodists and their friends and families came to the 
beach for an uninterrupted week of religious enjoyment, 
and generally came singing, continued instant in prayer, 
and went away happy after the final farewell was said 
and sung ; others came with pleasure for their pursuit, 
or a vain curiosity to gratify, in witnessing, with feelings 
unaffected, the progress of the meeting ; and not a few 
each year were found on the shore with their wares to 
sell, intent on driving good trade, and making gain their 
god. 

Articles that were in demand for the support of the 
visitors and strangers at the meeting, such as bread, 
cakes, cheese, &c, were not prohibited ; but soon the 
stock of merchandize became as various as the ordinary 
wants of the people, and many did their shopping, in 
the way of cedar ware, tin ware, hardware, dry goods, 
groceries, and even millinery, in the booths on the beach. 

These hucksters were fro% the large towns and cities, 
and became regular frequenters of the meeting. 

The difficulty now was to regulate this traffic, so as not 
to allow of its encroachments on the worship and spirit- 
uality of the encampment. 

Booths and stalls would attract to their array of wares 
a crowd, who began to evince inattention to the sound 
of the trumpets ; and were very laggard in taking their 



TANGIER ISLAND CAMP MEETINGS. Ill 

seats for preaching. This perplexed a certain preacher 
in charge, and led him to speak disparagingly of the 
signs of the times, and the opportunities for good amid 
so much worldliness as appeared to be flooding in on the 
meetings. Brother Thomas became uneasy at this state 
of things, lest the preachers should cease appointing 
them, and resolved he would be responsible for the out- 
side department himself. 

When the horns sounded for preaching, one day, and 
it was perceived that a large number remained beyond 
the circle, he told the preacher to commence service at 
the stand, and he would take care of the " shore folks." 
Out he walked, and mounted a vacant table in the midst 
of the traders and their customers — blew a sharp blast 
on a tin horn, and then told those who preferred hearing 
a fine discourse to go inside, for he himself was going to 
preach, to all that remained. They gathered round him 
immediately and helped him to sing a hymn, then, after 
a melting prayer for all hands, Jew and Gentile, he com- 
menced to preach or exhort ; before he was done, three 
sinners were on the sand under conviction ; soon others 
began to pray ; and there he staid, until several back- 
sliders were cut to the heart, and some penitents were 
converted. 

Before concluding his exercises on shore, he exacted 
a pledge, and took the hand of every person engaged in 
selling commodities there, that as soon as the hours for 
worship were announced, they would close their curtains, 
and come up to preaching — a promise they all rigidly 
adhered to during the meeting. 

The abomination of liquor could not be kept away 



112 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

from the camp. They brought it and sold it despite the 
utmost vigilance on the part of the managers to prevent 
such desecration. Sometimes an inebriate would cause 
trouble among the order-loving and religious. 

Brother Thomas would undertake the most unreason- 
able case, and kindly approach his better nature, win his 
confidence, and obtain such an ascendency over him that 
he could lead him wherever he wished. 

On one occasion a young man, the son of a respecta- 
ble and influential father, became intoxicated and very 
troublesome. Several of the managers surrounded him, 
and were about to handle him roughly, and commit him 
to jail, when Brother Thomas became aware of the dif- 
ficulty. He interfered in the young man's behalf, be- 
came responsible for his good conduct, and parleyed with 
him there, until he succeeded in getting him round to his 
own tent. He then prepared him a place to lie down, 
and soothed his chafed spirit by gentleness, until he fell 
into a sound sleep. He then induced his good wife to 
sit near and fan him while he slept, "for," said he, "the 
poor, dear man is burning up with the wretched stuff he 
has drank." Shortly after, a company of wild young 
men came up, swearing, and looking for their comrade. 
They heard that the managers had him ; and, all ready 
for fight, they approached, asking, "Where is Mr. — ! — ?" 
"Brother Thomas took him away," was the reply. On 
they came to the rescue. Meeting the man whom they 
were after (Brother Thomas), they demanded the release 
of their boon companion. "Where is he?" "Come," 
said Brother Thomas, "and I will show you." He led 
them to his tent door, and pointed in. There was their 



TANGIER ISLAND CAMP MEETINGS. 113 

friend, snoring on a clean, soft pillow, and Mrs. Thomas 
with a large wing of a wild goose patiently fanning him, 
as if he was her own child! The scene broke down their 
fierce and reckless spirits in a moment, and not a man 
of the crowd but felt that Brother Thomas had entire 
victory over him. He had the pleasure to see some of 
those same young men converted in a short time, and 
received from the mortified and sobered youth, whom he 
befriended, expressions of the most unfeigned thanks, 
and promises of amendment in morals and life. He gave 
him a parting exhortation, which, it is likely, he has 
never forgotten. 

Instances like the foregoing, showing his great tact, 
and wonderful influence over men, might be indefinitely 
muitiplied. 

From some cause, one year, it was decided in the 
Quarterly Meeting to hold no camp meeting that summer 
on Tangier Island. Perhaps the preachers and members 
on the circuit had taken exceptions to the growing custom 
of traffic that it engendered. Brother Thomas was not 
present at this decision, and had no knowledge of the 
matter at the time. He had been making arrangements 
as usual, and had circulated the announcement of a 
meeting, and invitations to people near and far, to be 
present. When he learned what action had been taken, 
he was utterly overwhelmed. A greater trial of his 
faith and patience had never beset him. He betook 
himself to prayer ; then followed up the Presiding Elder, 
Rev. James Smith, to secure a favorable notice from 
him, but he was informed, the people had decided the 
question and he could not interfere. " Well then," said 



114 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

Brother T., "will you come and preach, if we go on and 
have a meeting?" That he could not agree to. Greatly 
disheartened, he tried the circuit preachers next, but 
met with no encouragement. "Good Lord," said he, 
" what will I do ? Thou hast never failed me yet — 
tell me what I must do — give up our camp meeting 
where thy word is preached, the people made happy, 
and poor wandering souls, whom thou delightest to save, 
converted?" 

This thought decided the case. "It came to him" 
to go right on and hold the meeting, but it cost him 
fastings, perplexity, and great tribulation lest he might 
displease his ministers by insubordination. He again 
appealed to them, but none would agree to aid him. 
The time rolled on. The Sound began to whiten with 
the sails of spreading vessels, with their hopeful freight 
on board, bound for Tangiers. The day arrived, and 
there he was " alone," but not " in his glory !" He teas 
a scared man. 

Several clever Virginia gentlemen rallied around him 
and cheered him up, by saying, "You can preach and 
exhort, and we will take the management." Col. 
Thoroughgood Taylor of Accomac — now of Petersburg, 
Va., was made head manager, took command of the 
forces, and adopted his rules. A local preacher from 
some quarter arrived, and to all human calculation, he 
and Mr. Thomas would have to do the Sabbath preaching. 
It was Saturday night, and the anxious mind of Brother 
T. had no repose. " Lord, send us a preacher," he would 
plead as he continued in agonizing prayer. 

Sabbath morning dawned, and with it the glad sight, 



TANGIER ISLAND CAMP MEETINGS. 115 

to our frightened parson, of a portly minister landing on 
the beach, and heading for the ground. 

Who could it be? Why no less a personage than the 
Presiding Elder himself, who had refused to attend. 
And how came he here ? You see, he took passage up 
the bay, and Saturday night fell calm and foggy, so that 
his captain made a harbor and came to anchor. What 
harbor should it be but Tangiers ! And there was the en- 
campment right before his eyes, as he reached the deck 
that Sabbath morning ! Had the Lord, to whom Brother 
Thomas cried in his trouble, any hand in this matter ? 
The preacher thought so at once, went ashore in haste, 
and reported himself for duty. 

The occurrence made considerable talk during the 
morning interval, and when the hour for preaching 
arrived, Mr. Smith took the stand, and according to his 
own admission, never felt such light and life from God, 
and such liberty and power in preaching the gospel as 
he enjoyed that morning. Salvation rolled over the 
congregation like a mighty billow, and a large number 
entered into liberty under the living word. 

Wasn't Joshua a happy soul that Sabbath day? — His 
faith confirmed — his fears dispelled — his prayers an- 
swered, and a multitude of souls rejoicing in the God of 
their salvation ! His cup ran over, and he could, and 
did sing : — 

" I'll praise the Lord, I'll praise the Lord, 
I'll praise the Lord wherever I go. 
And now my happy soul can tell, 

I'll praise the Lord wherever I go. 
That Jesus hath done all things well, 
I'll praise the Lord wherever I go." 



116 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Extension of Methodism — Appointments formed — Comparing notes — Love 
for the Church — The hymn book — Tangier Church — Meeting day — Early 
contemporaries — The Crocketts — Baptism by immersion — His sickness — 
Anointing — " Goose grease" — Health restored in answer to prayer — 
Health of the islanders — Doctors dreaded — Mrs. Lovey Evans — Dr. Wil- 
liams. 

During the interval between 1808 — the period when 
camp meetings were commenced on Tangier Beach — and 
the "breaking out of the war, we find Brother Thomas 
"in labors abundant," and have gleaned a few facts and 
anecdotes relating to this period of his history. 

He became the acknowledged leader in that religious 
movement which spread over the islands, and firmly es- 
tablished Methodism as the system best adapted and most 
useful to that people. Societies were organized, and 
taken in charge by the circuit preachers, who, about this 
time, began to visit the islands regularly in their itiner- 
ant rounds. The Accomac preachers included the lower 
islands in their preaching plan, and the brethren labor- 
ing on Annamessex circuit took charge of Smith's and 
Holland's Islands. 

Before churches were erected, the ministers preached 
in private houses, or in the open air, and always with 



LABORS ON TANGIER. 117 

success, in building up believers, and directing the in- 
quiring soul to a present Saviour. Their own souls were 
abundantly watered from on high, during these visits, 
and their hearts greatly rejoiced in this work, which, 
though it cost them time and much exposure, amply re- 
paid them for their labors of love. 

Brother Thomas gave himself almost wholly to the 
service of the church, in conveying the preachers to and 
from their island appointments, and attending meetings, 
not only in the vicinity of his own residence, but at dis- 
tant places, where his labors were much blessed to the 
people. 

The circle of his acquaintance widened every year, by 
intercourse with persons attending the annual reunion at 
camp meeting. In this way he became known to thou- 
sands, as an exemplary Christian, a powerful extorter, 
and a successful manager of the meetings. Among the 
objects of interest to all strangers who visited that cele- 
brated place, and chief among the subjects of conversa- 
tion on their return home, was this ardently devoted, 
and widely useful man. The anecdotes he related were 
repeated in social circles far away, and it became a 
marked day in the experience of many, when, obedient 
to their pressing invitations, the island preacher favored 
his friends with a call, and "held meeting" in neighbor- 
hoods where his services were in demand. 

He began a system of itinerant labors, about this 
period, embracing all the islands, and several places on 
the adjacent main, which was kept up during his whole 
after life. His popularity never waned, nor did he be- 
come weary in these gratuitous toils, to feed the flock, 



118 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

and follow the wandering, in imitation of the Master 
whom it was his desire and delight to serve and honor. 

He took particular pleasure in comparing notes with 
his brethren of the regular ministry, to ascertain whether 
any exceeded him in the number of meetings attended, 
sermons preached, or distance traveled, in the perform- 
ance of his duties. He considered himself under obliga- 
tions to do his utmost for the advancement of that branch 
of the church to which he owed everything. Few, 
with greater truthfulness than he, could say or sing : 

"For her my tears shall fall, 

Tor her my prayers ascend ; 
To her my toils and cares be given, 

Till toil and cares shall end. 
Beyond my highest joy, 

I prize her heavenly ways ; 
Her sweet communion, solemn vows, 

Her hymns of love and praise." 

" Her. hymns" were a source- of the greatest pleasure 
to him. Like thousands who have been gathered into 
the fold of Methodism, and have become the best theo- 
logians of the day, from learning the stanzas of the 
Wesley s, he made the hymn book his standard on " sys- 
tematic divinity," and gathered his best conceptions of 
religion from its attractive pages ; not that he overlooked 
his Bible, or failed to search diligently this record of 
Divine wisdom and grace, that he might be " thoroughly 
furnished unto every good word and work ;" but his 
hymn book, as the companion of God's revelation, he 
found to be its clearest and most comprehensive ex- 
positor. 



LABORS ON TANGIER. 119 

That his Bible justified a redeemed sinner in " walk- 
ing, leaping, and praising God," and exclaimed, "0 clap 
your hands;" and that his hymn book corroborated the 
authority, in many of its exultant strains, was to his 
mind conclusive, not only as it regarded the privilege, 
but a positive duty, to shout ! 

He was a literalist in the fullest sense, in his under- 
standing of the Scriptures. What they said, he did, and 
their omnipresent Author honored his simple credence 
and unreserved obedience in many remarkable instances, 
as will hereafter be shown. 

The precise date of the erection of the Methodist 
Church on Tangier Island, we have not been able to 
ascertain, but here it is, with its familiar surroundings, 
its gathering congregation, and its devoted minister — 
Rev. J. A. Massey, who at present exercises pastoral 
care over its interests and its members. 

Our Artist has aimed to represent the scene as it ap- 
pears on "meeting day." The signal flag has given 
notice far and wide that the preacher has arrived. Ca- 
noes are stretching across the waters toward the land- 
ing. Some are drawn up to the shore, and made fast 
there, while the people hurry into the place of prayer, 
soon to make its walls vocal with their hearty hymns 
and fervent supplications. 

The friends of Brother Massey will be able to distin- 
guish some resemblance between him and the likeness 
intended for him in the fore-ground. The book he car- 
ries, may be a favorite volume selected to beguile the 
tedium of his voyage across the Sound, or may be de- 
signed for one of the islanders who wishes to study di- 



120 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

vinit y. He appears to be in excellent trim for a sermon, 
and will, doubtless, rightly divide the word of truth, 
when in the pulpit, and his hearers will, as is their cus- 
tom, receive it with meekness and many earnest re- 
sponses. 

In the distance may be seen the residence of Brother 
John Thomas, oldest son of the man whose influence 
and efforts mainly contributed to the erection of this 
church, and who, in the person of his son John, is still 
ably represented in the neighborhood of his early resi- 
dence. John is engaged in merchandizing, and is a 
valuable citizen, and a devoted member of the church, 
which stands as a memorial of the active zeal of his 
honored father. 

The principal contemporaries of Brother Thomas, when 
the church was built, were brethren named Crockett, 
who had been converted, and were fellow helpers with 
him in the work. The person of this name who accom- 
panied him to Pungoteague, and fled from the camp, fear- 
ing an earthquake, had been followed by the Spirit, until 
constrained in deep conviction to say : — 

" I yield, I yield, — 



I can hold out no more ; 
I sink, by dying love compelled, 
And own Thee conqueror." 

Another, as we have seen, — the impetuous Zachariah 
Crockett, — was "conquered," at the great prayer meet- 
ing on Smith's Island, and came out on " the Lord's 
side." A third was he who fell, while reading the 
Bible to his neighbors on a Sabbath-day some years be- 



LABORS ON TANGIER. 121 

fore, and there surrounded by the amazed people, wres- 
tled in prayer, until he was made a partaker of saving 
grace. 

The descendants of these good men are at this day the 
pillars of the church, and in their happy meetings often 
sing with unusual emphasis : — 

" We are travelling home to God ; 
, In the way our fathers trod ; 

They are happy now, and we 
Soon their happiness shall see." 

It was through the persuasions of some of these good 
brethren that Brother Thomas was induced to submit to 
baptism by immersion. The circumstance is alluded to 
by Mr. Massey in his Introduction. This was also a 
subject of very frequent remark in after years, by him- 
self, when he learned the fallacy and folly of the assump- 
tion pressed upon his susceptible mind at that juncture 
— that " he could not be saved without being baptized 
after this mode." 

It appears he was satisfied after having immersed 
himself, until a minister named Layfield from Virginia 
came over, and "led in" several of his immediate friends, 
while a hymn was being sung on the shore ; then did 
Brother T. consent to be " buried in baptism," that he 
might secure whatever grace or good belonged to the 
performance, and gratify those who in this manner aimed 
to follow Christ. 

The spot where the ceremony occurred, was thereafter, 
and is still known as "Baptist Point." It was a me- 
morable day to Brother Thomas ; for in the excitement 
of the moment, he "went down into the water," forget- 



122 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

ting to leave his Hymn Book and Testament behind. 
The result was a disaster that greatly dampened his joy ; 
his precious books, when extracted from his saturated 
clothing, were found to be nearly ruined ! 

No amount of persuasion, however, could induce him 
to cast in his lot with the zealous denomination which 
had for the time being assumed his spiritual guidance. 
His affection for that church which brought light to his 
benighted mind, and peace to his troubled conscience, — 
which followed him with the overtures of saving mercy, 
and won him to her warm embrace — which laid her 
strong, loving arms around him, and opened before him 
"a great and effectual door" of usefulness, — was too 
strong to abandon her communion and forsake her asso- 
ciations for another. 

He would have been " one among a thousand," in 
any denomination, but in no sphere could he have been 
so extensively useful, or have fulfilled the mission of Di- 
vine providence, as in that which made him the Metho- 
dist " Parson of the Islands." 

The Baptists failed in establishing their tenets to any 
great extent on the island, and, it is said, never succeeded 
in organizing a church there. 

It was during the period of which we now write, that 
Brother Thomas was restored to health from a protracted 
and dangerous spell of sickness, by a mode resorted to 
but rarely, if at all, at the present day. Various reme- 
dies had been applied, and no favorable indications of 
returning health appearing, he became restive under 
confinement, and troubled by the cares of the church 
and the exigencies of his family which pressed upon him, 



LABORS ON TANGIER. 123 

and greatly longed for deliverance. Reading the pages 
of his Testament, he happened on some advice directly 
bearing on his condition. It was contained in the prac- 
tical Epistle of James, as follows : 

"Is any sick among you ? let him call in the elders of 
the church ; and let them pray over Mm, anointing him 
tvith oil in the name of the Lord : And the prayer of 
faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up." 

This, thought he, is a safe guide, and cannot fail to 
effect a speedy cure. " Elders," he supposed to be elderly 
persons, of good report in the church. His mind fixed 
immediately on Brother John Crockett, and his brother 
Zachariah, as answering the requirement. He sent for 
John in haste. On his arrival the matter was fully ex- 
plained, and the passage repeated. "Now, Brother 
John," said the sick man, "you must do exactly as the 
good Book directs. I have no oil, but yonder is plenty 
of excellent goose grease I which I suppose will do as well; 
use some of it, and then pray in faith." 

" Brother John" was taken somewhat aback by this 
proposal, and confessed he had but little confidence that 
a cure could be effected in this way. He proceeded, 
however, with the anointing, and offered a fervent prayer 
for his beloved friend. There was no apparent relief 
obtained, and both agreed that the reason of failure was 
probably their weakness of faith. 

"Go," said Brother Thomas, "and tell Brother Zach- 
ariah to come and try it. "Zach." soon arrived, and, 
after learning the particulars, "goose grease" and all, 
clapped his hands in a very decided and earnest manner, 
and exclaimed, " Why Brother Joshua, that is the very 



124 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

thing, I believe it will do you good, for it is the good 
Lord's plan." 

" Go on then," said the other, " and let us believe for 
a certain and speedy answer." 

Brother Z. was of an ardent, impulsive temperament, 
and entered into this procedure with great zest. After 
an unctuous application of the " goose grease," he knelt 
down and began to pray, telling the Lord what had 
been done according to His own word, and how sick his 
"poor brother" was; "and now, Lord," said he, "raise 
him up ! — send down the power !" 

The "power" came, first upon Zach. himself, so that 
he became very happy, and began to shout ; then upon 
Brother T. who leaped from his weary bed — cured in 
body, and filled with the Holy Ghost — and joined in the 
rejoicing of his friend, praising God for the signal an- 
swer given, and the verification of His holy word, which 
thereafter, more than ever, was believed by both as an 
unfailing foundation. 

As a general thing, sickness in its complicated forms 
was rare among the hardy, temperate people who in- 
habited the islands in those days. Persons have lived 
to the age of 104, and, it is said, never in all that time 
experienced the sensations produced by swallowing 
"doctor's stuff!" 

Most of the ailments peculiar to their situation and 
climate yielded to simple treatment, and were easily 
subdued by good nursing, a healthy constitution, and 
religious hope ! For fevers of all kinds, and from all 
causes, cool water was the only and effectual specific ; 
for prostration and weakness, some rare delicacy to 



LABORS ON TANGIER. 125 

tempt the appetite was sought out, and applied with 
salutary results. 

Among those whose names are remembered with af- 
fectionate regard, as gentle and skillful attendants to 
the wants of the sick, none is cherished more than a 
Mrs. Lovey Evans, who gave unremitting efforts to re- 
lieve the ills to which her island neighbors were subject. 
Her far seeing sympathy hoarded the fruits of autumn, 
for some exigency in the following seasons, when a good 
apple became a desirable luxury ; and her skill and 
economy provided the products of midwinter, to meet a 
possible longing during the languor of summer. She 
was never known to be at fault, where a sick person ex- 
pressed a desire for some particular kind of fish, fowl, 
or fruit. Her stores were always available, and her 
resources equal to every emergency. In this respect 
she was an angel of mercy, ministering to the wants and 
wishes of others. For this she seemed to live, and her 
life was both useful and happy. A quiet conscience, she 
maintained, was the best opiate in pain, and faith in God, 
the most infallible remedy, in the day of trouble. With 
the measure she meted, it was returned to her own 
bosom. When age and infirmity began to wear her 
system clown, she lacked nothing. Her friends were 
numerous, and her necessities, as far as human aid could 
reach, were promptly met. In a very remarkable 
manner, we are informed, did she sometimes receive what 
she conceived a liking for. In sickness she desired to 
have a certain kind of fish. It was not the season for 
" Drum" — the peculiar species she wanted, — but she was 
gratified notwithstanding. One of the boatmen coming 



126 THE PARSON OF THE "ISLANDS. 

in, captured a "Drum," which unexpectedly came in his 
way, and brought it to "Aunt Lovey." 

After this, she wanted a slice of some particular fowl of 
the wild duck species, that frequented the adjacent waters. 
This, though entirely out of the season, was accidentally 
procured, and the good old lady remarked that she knew 
God could furnish her, in or out of season, with all she 
asked: "for," said she, "it is written, ' JSfo good tiling 
will He withhold from them thai walk uprightly'" 

The dreaded doctor, in more recent times, is found to 
be necessary, when disease of an obstinate type prevails. 
Those who enjoy the acquaintance of Dr. R. W. Williams, 
formerly of Virginia, and at present pursuing his pro- 
fessional duties near Cambridge, Md., may draw on his 
resources of anecdote, to an almost unlimited extent, for 
reminiscences of his visits to the islands, and his inter- 
course with Brother Thomas, with whom he was on very 
intimate terms, and the inhabitants at large, among whom 
he is remembered respectfully, as a model practitioner — 
not only in the preparation of "powders and pills," but 
in his habit of holding family prayer with his patients ; 
and when all human skill becomes fruitless, in pointing 
the sinking one to Jesus, the Great Physician, and in 
assuring the dying that " this is a faithful saying and 
worthy of all acceptation, that Jesus Christ came into 
the world, to save sinners." 



THE BRITISH ARMY ON TANGIER. 127 



CHAPTER IX. 

Arrival of the British fleet in the Chesapeake Bay — Rendezvous at Tangier 
— The Islanders made prisoners of war — Talk with the admiral — The 
camp meeting trees spared — Forts erected — Remarkable phenomenon — 
— Holy ground — Religious soldiers — A sailor's narrative — " Methodist re- 
ligion" — Conversion of a captain and mate — Skirmish — Death of a young 
English soldier — The Parson on board the flag ship — Exhorts in the ward 
room — Stammering — The doctor — A close question — Death of his wife — 
Sustaining power of faith — Second marriage — A wife from the Lord. 

The waters of the Chesapeake Bay, in the vicinity of 
the group of islands which form the principal scene of 
our narrative, have been the theatre of many stirring 
incidents in the days of the revolution ; and also subse- 
quently during the war of 1812. The British fleet made 
Tangier harbor and Island the centre of their operations 
while the bay was being ravaged, the capitol burned, 
and the City of Baltimore bombarded. 

We have already given a few recollections of the days of 
"76," and now in the course of our history find ourselves 
brought down to the period when the island became a 
rendezvous of the British forces. This was during the 
years 1813-14. A large reinforcement came over from 
the English shores ; and a squadron of about fifty or 
sixty sail entered the Chesapeake Bay. We have some 



128 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

brief memoranda of this period in the manuscript so 
often quoted from; where, in Brother Thomas' own words 
we read as follows : 

"As the troubles and horrors of war have happily passed 
away, never more, I hope and pray, to revisit these 
shores ; and the present generation know but little of the 
many afflictions and trials of their fathers and mothers, 
I will tell them something of those days. 

" The first we knew of the British being nigh us, was 
the report of their guns firing down the bay. The same 
day some of their shipping came up abreast of my house 
and anchored. Soon after we saw about fifty men in 
full uniform, with their weapons of war, land on the 
beach, and proceed in marching order towards Z. 
Crockett's house. Our women and children were dread- 
fully scared ; but I told them not to be alarmed, as the 
Lord would undertake for us, and prove our refuge and 
defence — 'a present help in the time of trouble.' 

"I hardly knew how to act in this case, but finally 
concluded to go out and meet them. AVhen I came near 
the officer, I pulled off my hat and he pulled off his ; 
which I thought was very gentleman-like. I then ap- 
proached him, and he held out his hand kindly, which I 
took, and we shook hands in a friendly manner. 

"We walked on together until we arrived at Zachariah 
Crockett's house ; he told the women he wanted that 
house to lodge in, and they must put it in order for him. 
I informed him he could not have it : at this he seemed 
to get angry, and replied he would not ask my leave, 
that we were all his prisoners. I told him there ^vas a 
house not far off, that would suit him better, and it was 



THE BRITISH ARMY ON TANGIER. 129 

unoccupied ; so that he would not compel poor women 
and children to go out of doors. At this he cooled down, 
and, after a little, said, ' Come go with me, and we will 
look at that house you speak of.' They remained on 
shore that night ; and, after breakfast in the morning, 
went on board their ships ; taking a lot of our cattle, 
sheep, and hogs with them, for which they paid such 
prices as they saw proper. They next landed on Watts' 
Island, and examined it, after which they sailed away 
out of sight, and we saw no more of them for several 
days. 

"In a short time we heard their firing again and four 
large ships appeared coming in. They cast anchor in 
Tangier harbor, and landed about two hundred men on 
the lower beach, where they pitched their tents, and im- 
mediately went to work with all their might, clearing off 
the ground and building forts. 

"We watched their movements, as they continued 
their work, and I discovered that they were cutting down 
all the timber before them — wild cherry trees, pines, 
and cedars without distinction. Our beautiful camp 
ground, where we held our great meetings, was likely to 
share the same fate. I felt so uneasy at this, that I 
could not rest. 

" It came to me, that I must go and see the Admiral 
about this matter, and beg him to spare our camp ground. 
The next day I resolved to go and try, when I saw his 
flag streaming at the top of the staff; for by that sign 
we always knew when he was on shore. I went to the 
sentinel that was stationed near, and told him I wished 
to see the Admiral; he raised his little flag, and the Ad- 



130 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

miral came that way, and asked me what I wanted. I 
answered, ' Sir/ I have a request to make of you.' 
'Well, what is it?' said he. 'Why, sir, it is this: — 
if you can spare any of these trees, I am very anxious 
you will keep your men from cutting just round here ; 
for this is the grove in which we worship, and where our 
camp meetings were held before the war ; and if we ever 
have peace again, I hope we shall want to continue these 
meetings ; for in this place we have felt " it was the very 
gate of heaven.' " 

" I then went with him around the ground, and pointed 
out to him where the circles of tents stood, and where 
the preaching stand was, and the spot of ground before 
it where we held our prayer-meetings for mourners. 

u c Mourners,' said he, 'how is that?' I went on in 
my stammering way to inform him that when sinners 
heard the gospel preached, and felt their need of Christ, 
they came in crowds to this spot, and knelt down to 
pray, and cry for mercy, and we prayed with and for 
them ; and hundreds of souls have been converted right 
here. 

" While I was telling and showing him these things, 
he looked at me with great sharpness, and when I was 
through, he said, ' And who are you V I told him, with 
my hat in my hand, that I was 'a sinner saved by grace.' 
I could see an air of solemnity on his countenance, and 
he told me the grove should be spared. He gave orders 
immediately to the whole army that they should not cut 
so much as a limb off that grove ; which orders were so 
strictly executed that a man came very near being pun- 



THE BRITISH ARMY ON TANGIER. 131 

ished severely for cutting something that happened to be 
in his way. 

"They all, after this, reverenced that ground, and 
would not desecrate it in any way, or pitch a tent in it, 
but on the outside of the sacred grove. 

" They still went on with their buildings and walks ; 
and when they were finished, it was a most beautiful 
place. The two forts were erected a little to the south 
of the camp ground, east and west from each other, and 
about three hundred yards apart. The tents of the 
army were pitched in a semicircular form, extending 
about half round on the north side, and a very pleasant 
summer house was built in the centre. 

" In hot weather, this was a most lovely place. The 
fresh breeze would come in from the salt water, and 
breathe through the grove, giving life and pleasure to 
the languid, while in other places the people were suffer- 
ing greatly from the heat. 

" The circumstance I am now going to relate," con- 
tinues Brother Thomas, " may not be believed, but I 
will give a statement of the facts, and leave every one 
to follow his own judgment as to their credibility. 

" On one of those very calm summer evenings, about the 
close of the day, the officers and men first heard a 
strange noise, as if sounds were floating in the air; then, 
after a little space, the sweetest and most melodious 
singing was distinctly heard. They went out of their 
tents to ascertain where it was, and followed the sound 
until they found it lingering directly over the preaching 
stand, and the place in front of it where the prayer- 
meetings were held. It appeared to them to be about the 



132 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

tops of the trees. The singing continued near half an 
hour, and struck the army with such surprise and awe, 
that all conversation ceased for that night. 

" The next morning, when John Crockett came into 
camp, they told him about this singing, and remarked 
that there must have been a great deal of preaching and 
praying in that place to make it as holy as they believed 
it to be. They confessed that they were too wicked and 
bad to occupy a spot so near heaven, that they could 
hear the angels sing as they lingered around it. They 
never polluted the place after that." 

Among these wicked and ungodly soldiers and sailors, 
Brother Thomas found several praying men, who pro- 
fessed to have been converted in the Methodist way in 
England, and seemed desirous to " hold fast the profes- 
sion of their faith without wavering." 

Many an interesting chat took place between him and 
those who sought his acquaintance, believing him to be 
a good, holy man. They put themselves often in his 
way to have a talk about Jesus, and a short season of 
prayer for mutual strength to bear the cross and honor 
their God and King. 

He was greatly delighted to hear from their lips the 
story of their conversion, which tallied so nearly with 
his own experience ; and through them obtain some in- 
formation of the state of religion in the foreign countries 
where they had been. 

Wesleyan Methodism had turned thousands of the 
standing army of Great Britain to the standard of Im- 
manuel, and enlisted them to do battle for the Lord of 
Hosts. Strange providence ! that men who mourned for 



THE BRITISH ARMY ON TANGIER. 133 

sin, among Cornwall miners, and who at provincial revi- 
vals were made happy in believing, should here find 
sweet fellowship with those of like precious faith, and 
realize the blessed truth, that the children of the king- 
dom, wherever found, sweetly agree in the bonds of that 
threefold cord that cannot be broken. 

Brother Thomas treasured up many of the experiences 
he heard from these, his brethren in Christ, and well be- 
loved ; and was greatly confirmed in his Christian confi- 
dence by their communion. 

" Oh !" thought he, "if we could hold a camp meeting 
now, and get all these soldiers and sailors converted to 
God, and have them to carry across the seas traversed 
by their mighty fleets, and the islands and countries fre- 
quented by their powerful armies, the experience of jus- 
tification by faith, and the testimony of Christ, as ' the 
Saviour of all men, especially of them that believe!' ' 

But the turn affairs speedily took interrupted his long- 
ings for a "regular camp meeting," and gave him unex- 
pected favor with rank and file, and access to all, as a 
minister of the gospel of the grace of God. The fol- 
lowing narrative he had carefully taken down, and pre- 
served as a memorial of the power of grace : 

"A pious soldier, in conversation with me, became very 
happy, and informed me of an adventure he had on 
board a ship in which he was bound to the continent of 
America. ' On board our ship there was nothing going 
on but swearing and wickedness. This grieved me every 
day so much that I was in the habit of retiring to an un- 
frequented place to pray alone, as I had none to sympa- 
thize with me in religious faith and hope. I spent many 



134 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

happy hours thus, with my Bible and Jesus. One day I 
became so much engaged that I forgot the time, and was 
not on deck at the usual muster, and roll call of my 
company. 

" ' The Captain inquired for me, but none of my com- 
rades knew where I was. After a while I remembered 
where I was, hastened on deck, and reported myself to 
my Captain. He asked me where I had been. I in- 
formed him I had been down in the sail room. " What 
have you been doing there V said he. I told him I had 
been praying. " Praying to what ?" "Praying to my 
God," said I. "To your God ? what kind of a God is 
he — black or white ?" To this I made no reply ; for his 
reckless profanity hurt me to the soul. 

" ' They called a court martial immediately, and con- 
demned me to be flogged. 

" ( I was ordered to strip, and did so. They then tied 
my hands, and swung them to the halliards so high, that 
I could barely stand on my feet. While the boatswain 
was about commencing to " lay on" my bare back, I began 
to sing with my whole soul : 

" Behold the Saviour of mankind, 
Nailed to the shameful tree : 
How vast the love that him inclined, 
To bleed and die for me!" 

" 6 The Captain cried out, " Boatswain, hold on ! don't 
strike!" He stepped forward in front of me, and saw' 
my face covered with tears. After a short pause, he in- 
quired, "What sort of religion is this of yours?" I 
replied, " Sir, I am a Methodist." 



THE BRITISH ARMY ON TANGIER. 135 

" ' Do you want to pray V 

" 'Yes, sir, I must pray as long as I live. I cannot do 
without praying.' 

" ' Well, my man, how would you like to pray in my 
cabin ?' 

" 'I would feel it a privilege, sir, to pray anywhere.' 

" 'Well," said he, turning away, "Whenever you are 
off duty, you may go into my cabin and pray as much 
as you please. Guard, untie this man.' 

" ' I was then liberated, and all those standing near 
appeared silent and serious. I noticed tears on some of 
their faces. 

" * I went soon after, full of love to God and man, 
down into the Captain's cabin, and knelt down to pour 
out my soul before the Lord in thankfulness, and ask 
him to convict and convert my poor wicked companions. 

" ' The Mate came in while I was at prayer, and fell 
down beside me, saying, "Pray for me." He appeared 
to be under deep conviction. I prayed for him until the 
Lord converted his soul, and filled him with joy and 
peace. The Captain coming down about that time, was 
met by his Mate at the companion way, who cried out, 
" Oh ! Captain, Captain ! This religion is so good, you 
must have it ! you must have it !" 

" c He laid his hands on the Captain's shoulders, and, 
while the big tears were rolling down his face, drew him, 
unresistingly, into the cabin, where we both prayed for 
him. He began to weep and pray for himself, and not 
long after, was powerfully blessed. 

" ' The lion was turned into a lamb, and we all rejoiced 
greatly in the mercy of God. We then held meetings 



130 , THE PARSON OF T-HE ISLANDS. 

regularly every day, to which the crew were invited, and 
some of them were awakened to a sense of their lost 
condition, and sought pardon in the wounds of a cruci- 
fied Redeemer. Seven were converted when we reached 
port ; which was in one of the West India Islands. The 
captain gave me permission to go on shore and hold 
meetings, and we had a happy time there. I formed a 
society before I left, and hope they are going on to per- 
fection, and increasing more and more." 

Rev. Mr. Kemp communicates another anecdote, show- 
ing the intimacy Brother Thomas enjoyed with this peo- 
ple, and the estimate they put upon his character : — 

" A noble looking young man, the son of religious 
j:>arents in England, who had been carefully reared, and 
designed for a religious life, threw off all restraint, 
forsook his home and friends, and enlisted as a soldier. 
He was with the army on Tangiers, and attracted the 
notice of Brother T. particularly. Through the influ- 
ence of his friends at home his discharge was obtained, 
and liberty given him to return to his parents. Before 
leaving, however, he wished to distinguish himself, in 
some expedition of danger, and went with a company of 
soldiers to the Virginia shore. There, in a skirmish 
with the militia, he was severely wounded, and brought 
back to the island to die. 

" Brother Thomas was almost constantly at his side, 
as life ebbed away, pointing him to the 'Lamb of God ;' 
and before the young soldier breathed his last, he felt 
his sins forgiven, and left an assurance behind that he 
was saved through the all-atoning blood, and hoped for 
eternal life." 



THE BRITISH ARMY ON TANGIER. 13T 

Brother Thomas obtained favor with the officers and 
soldiers of the army, and sought every means to do good 
among them. It will be noticed that there was much 
high-toned honor and generosity evinced in their treat- 
ment of the island people. What they needed in the 
way of provision, they paid for, and generally restored 
vessels that had been captured, where the owners were 
poor, and made application to the Admiral commanding. 
We could fill a volume with the incidents of those days, 
handed down to the present generation, or repeated by 
eye-witnesses, who retain a vivid recollection of the 
events of that year. 

We continue to quote : — 

" The next circumstance I wish to relate, is this : 
The Admiral sent his steward, and took whatever he 
liked out of my garden, telling me I must go on board 
and he would give me my pay. When I went on board, 
I was amazed at everything I saw. The man took me 
away down into the bottom of the ship, and filled my 
bag with rice, and the c Parson of the Islands,' (for so 
they all called me,) had to lug it up three pair of stairs ; 
and as I came to each deck, the officers would roar out, 
4 What have you got there, Parson V I began to feel 
ashamed, and would have given all that my garden con- 
tained, rather than be mortified by their talk. When I 
reached the gangway, I let my bag of rice down into my 
canoe, and was about leaving as fast as I could, when 
an officer tapped me on the shoulder, and said my pre- 
sence was required in the ward-room. This was the 
place where the chief officers were collected together. 
I thought, ' Now, what shall I do ? Must I go among 



133 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

those officers barefoot, and in the rags I had on! ; But 
no time was given me to parley ; so I off cap and put it 
under my arm, and followed the officer who came after 
me with the message. The moment I entered the ward- 
room, they all roared out laughing to see ' The Parson 
of the Islands' in such a rig as he presented. At this 
I felt my old nature rise, and said to one I knew to be 
the doctor, ' Have you called me in here, sir, to make 
fun of me ?' ' Upon my honor, Parson, I have not, sir,' 
said he," and he gave the other fellows such a look as 
shut them up in a moment. 

"'Well, Parson,' said the doctor, •' I understand you 
were to exhort last Sunday after our chaplain : why did 
you not do it ?' 

" ' Because he did not ask me, sir,' said I. 

" ' Well,' said he, ' we want you to preach to us here 
in the ward-room; come, give us a good sermon.' 

" 'I will, if you get permission from the Admiral.' 

" l Oh, he will not hear you.' said the doctor. 

" 'Indeed he will, sir,' said I, 'for if I get at it. and 
the power comes on me, every one aboard this ship will 
hear me.' 

" ' Well, Parson Thomas, I have heard that before 
you were converted you had a great impediment in your 
speech, but since your conversion you are clear of it.'' 

" ' Yes,' said I, ' while talking about spiritual things, 
exhorting and praying, it is taken away.' 

"'Well,' said the doctor, *'we will now turn our con- 
versation, and talk about temporal things.' 

"It then came to me — if you force a stammering, 
you will never be able to talk clearly again : and I 



THE BRITISH ARMY ON TANGIER. 139 

thought if I did not stammer, he would think I had 
told a lie.' But the same spirit whispered, 'Leave that 
to me ; I will see to that.' 

" The doctor then commenced talking about the affairs 
of the country and government. He asked me, 

" ' Did your President, Mr. Madison, do right in de- 
claring war against Great Britain ?' 

" I said, ' You have asked me a very uncivil question ; 
for how should I know about things done in Washington 
or England, seeing I live on this little island, so far 
from those places; and how can I know about the king's 
business, and Mr. Madison's business V I stammered 
very badly while making this reply, and I could not help 
it. He then said to me, ' You have given a better an- 
swer than Mr. Madison himself could have given, and I 
will reward you well for it.' 

" The doctor then inquired of me what disease my 
wife had, as she had been sick for some time. I told 
him as well as I could, and he prepared some medicine, 
with directions how to take it, and it done her a great 
deal of good, though it failed to cure her, and she died 
soon after. 

" They would not let me away until I gave them an 
exhortation, which they listened to with respectful atten- 
tion, and then gathered round to shake hands with me 
as I was leaving. I was truly glad to get off, and de- 
termined in my own mind to give the ward-room a ' wide 
berth,' ever afterwards." 

His visits to the fleet, however, were frequent, and 
his acquaintance with the Admiral and high officers of 
the ships was intimate and pleasant. 



140 THE PARSON OP THE ISLANDS. 

The incidental allusion above, to the death of his be- 
loved wife, Rachel, which occurred while the army was 
still encamped in his neighborhood, and while the excite- 
ments and distress of the existing war prevailed, added 
greatly to his perplexity, and filled his cup of domestic 
joy with bitterness. She had been the sympathizing 
partner of his early struggles for a home, and compara- 
tive independence. She shared the domestic incidents 
and ills peculiar to their lot, with a true womanly forti- 
tude ; and with a cheerful and happy disposition. She 
had seen her devoted husband in all the vicissitudes of 
his darker days of doubt and perplexity on the subject 
of his personal salvation, and largely partook of his 
new-found joy in Christ Jesus. She lived to see him 
an uncompromising Christian, and a widely influential 
man. Her children, of whom she left four or five living, 
were growing hearty and happy in her smiles, and re- 
peating their simple prayers at morn and eve, around 
her knee. A new claimant on her maternal love, had 
just gladdened her heart and home ; the infant named 
after his father's friend, Seymour; and, just as life was 
opening hopefully before her, she drooped and died. 
Desolation mantled that humble, but, hitherto, happy 
abode, and fell upon the hearth, which had been so 
bright with her presence and love. The bereaved hus- 
band bowed to this adverse blast, and meekly said in his 
Christian faith and resignation, " TJie Lord gave, and 
tlie Lord Jtath taken away; blessed he the name of the 
Lord," He found hope in her death, and sorrowed not 
as those who have no expectations beyond the grave. 
His constant attention and care was now needed for his 



THE BRITISH ARMY ON TANGIER. 141 

little motherless children, and suitable provision made 
for the helpless infant. 

He had recourse to prayer, and daily looked to God 
for help and direction in this time of distress. The pro- 
mises of his Bible assured him strength according to his 
day, and grace sufficient, in the severest conflict. His 
hymn book, too, furnished many a sweet lesson of pa- 
tience and hope. He read over, and rejoiced in such 
precious sentiments as the following : 

" In every condition, in sickness, and health, 
In poverty's vale, or abounding in wealth ; 
At home or abroad, on the land, on the sea, 
'As thy days may demand shall thy strength ever be.' 

"Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismay 'd, 
I, I am thy God, and will still give thee aid ; 
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, 
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand. 

""When through the deep waters I call thee to go, 
The rivers of wo shall not thee overflow ; 
For I will be with thee thy troubles to bless, 
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress. 

" When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, 
My grace all-sufficient shall be thy supply ; 
The flame shall not hurt thee, I only design 
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine. 

"E'en down to old age, all my people shall prove 
My sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love ; 
And when hoary hairs shall their temples adorn, 
Like lambs they shall still on my bosom be borne. 

" The soul that on Jesus doth lean for repose, 
I will not, I will not, desert to his foes ; 
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, 
I'll never, no never, no never forsake." 



142 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

For one of the most interesting anecdotes of his life, 
which should be recalled in this connection, as the event 
took place about this period, we turn to the sketch fur- 
nished by Rev. Brother Massey in his introduction. 

Brother Thomas, through all the subsequent years of 
his pilgrimage, looked back on this circumstance, as the 
most marked evidence of his Heavenly Father's loving 
kindness. The delicacy of his position, the exigencies 
of his situation, and the wisdom of his (God appointed) 
choice, made such an impression on his heart, that with 
the weight of gathering cares and crowding years upon 
him, and under such bodily affliction as falls to the lot 
of but few on earth, he nevertheless rejoiced until his 
dying day in that deliverance, which, at this juncture, 
came opportunely to his relief. 

He narrated the anecdote as given by Brother Mas- 
sey, so frequently, in his public addresses, that it assumed, 
according to the peculiar color or temperament of the 
listener, a variety of hues ; and is handed down to the 
compiler in diferent shapes ; but of all the accounts 
given us, that referred to is most accurate and consist- 
ent. 



PREACHING TO THE ARMY. 143 



CHAPTER X. 

Attack on Baltimore— Prediction of defeat — He preaches to the entire Army 
— " Thou shalt not kill" — Last warning — The fleet weigh anchor — Battle 
of North Point — Death of the Commander — Defeat of the British — Re- 
turn to Tangier — " You told us so" — Messages from the wounded — 
Sorrow for the slain — The white flag — Peace— Great rejoicing — Departure 
of the British — Affecting farewell — Incidents — Revival of Camp Meet- 
ings — Garrison Burton — Lawrenson's Sermon — Ambassadors for Christ. 

No event in the history of Rev. Joshua Thomas, gave 
such a wide celebrity to his name, or was remembered by 
himself with more interest than that which, in the course 
of this narrative, we now proceed to record. 

As the man, who in preaching to the enemies of his 
country foretold their defeat, and warned them against 
proceeding to Baltimore ; who gained their respect for 
his unflinching adherence to truth and right, and who 
was instrumental in pointing many of them to the Sa- 
viour of sinners, — he earned a notoriety, and well mer- 
ited distinction that will live through many generations. 

The Prettyman Manuscript continues : — 

" Towards the close of summer, in the year 1814, we 
were made aware of some important movement among 
the forces encamped on the island. Preparations began 
both on shore and through the fleet in the harbor. Sig- 



144 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

nals were exchanged, orders given, and all became bustle 
and activity. 

" Some of the officers told me the cause of all this ; — 
they were going to take Baltimore. I told them they 
had better let it alone ; they might be mistaken in their 
calculations ; for the Baltimoreans would resist them, 
and would fight hard for their city and their homes. 

" ' Oh !' said they, 'we can take it easily.' I told 
them it was a dangerous undertaking, in my opinion, 
for I believed God would fight for the good people in 
that city, and aid them in defeating their enemies. 

" Before they left Tangier, they sent me word to be 
ready to hold a public meeting, and exhort the soldiers, 
on the camp ground. I did not like to refuse, and yet 
I was very unwilling to perform this duty. I thought 
and prayed over the matter, and it came to me that I 
must stand up for Jesus as a good soldier, in the fight 
of faith ; and as some of these men might be killed in 
the battle, and never have another opportunity of wor- 
ship, that it was my duty and privilege to obey their 
order, and hold the meeting. It was arranged to be on 
the last Sunday they were in camp. Early that morn- 
ing, the flags were hoisted, the drums beat, and every 
preparation was made for a full turn out. 

" Boats were plying from the ships to the shore, and 
bands of music were playing on board. 

" At the hour appointed, the soldiers were all drawn 
up in solid columns, about twelve thousand men, under 
the pines of the old camp ground, which formed the open 
space in the centre of their tents. 

" I stood on a little platform erected at the end of the 



5 " 




PREACHING TO THE ARMY. 145 

camp nearest the shore, all the men facing me with their 
hats off, and held by the right hand under the left arm. 
An officer stood on mj right and one on my left, and 
sentries were stationed a little distance to the rear. 

" As I looked around on my congregation, I never 
had such feelings in my life ; but I felt determined to 
give them a faithful warning, even if those officers with 
their keen glittering swords, would cut me in 'pieces for 
speaking the truth. 

" After singing and prayer, I began to feel better in 
mind, and more at liberty. Soon all fear and embarrass- 
ment were taken away from me, and I proceeded in my 
exhortation as freely as ever I did, in any place, or be- 
fore any people. 

" I told them in the commencement what caused war, 
and fighting among nations and men ; — what made this 
once good, happy world, so full of evil and misery as it 
now is ; and what brings ruin on men, soul and body. 
Sin, I said, done all this ; but ' It is a faithful saying 
and worthy of all acceptation, that Jesus Christ came into 
the world to save sinners.' 

" I told them what kind of a sinner I was, and how 
He saved me from sin ; also, many of my neighbors, and 
that He was i able to save to the uttermost all them that 
come unto God by him.' I described some of the sea- 
sons of refreshing we had enjoyed in that spot, ' from 
the presence of the Lord,' and thanked them and their 
Admiral for the kindness they manifested to us ; — but I 
could not bid them God speed, in what I understood they 
were going to do. 

" I warned them of the danger and distress they would 



146 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

bring upon themselves and others by going to Baltimore 
with the object they had in view. I told them of the 
great wickedness of war, and that God said, c Thou shall 
not hill F If you do, he will judge you at the last day ; 
or, before then, he will cause you to 'perish by the 
sword.' 

" I told them it was given me from the Almighty that 
they could not take Baltimore, and would not succeed in 
their expedition. 

" I exhorted them to prepare for death, for many of 
them would in all likelihood die soon, and I should see 
them no more till we met at the sound of the great trum- 
pet before our final Judge." 

The service concluded, many stepped up to the in- 
trepid parson, and thanked him for his faithful warnings, 
and said they hoped it would not go so hard with them 
as he had foretold. He shook his head, and said he felt 
that many that day had received their last call. 

In the bare outline of his exhortation which we have 
been enabled to lay before the reader, it will be discov- 
ered that he touched on many points of fundamental 
truth : the doctrine of the fall of man, the effects of sin, 
and the only name given under heaven among men 
whereby the consequences of this condition can be 
averted, and the sinner saved. At that period in his 
discourse, he took occasion, as usual with him, to tell his 
own experience, which we may well suppose was a simple 
and living illustration of the power and preciousness of 
saving faith. 

Delicately he acknowledged their consideration and 
generosity to him and his people, and with unflinching 



PREACHING TO THE ARMY. 147 

fortitude held up before them the wickedness of that 
career in which they were all engaged. God's absolute 
command on the " mount that burned with fire," is hurled 
in among the ranks, and we can imagine the interesting 
exposition that was founded on the words : his descrip- 
tion of scenery, as the "thunderings and lightnings" at- 
tested the dread presence, and fearfully indicated the 
majesty and might of the God of Abraham, and Isaac, 
and Jacob ; whose word endureth for ever. He appeals 
to the last judgment too, and draws a startling contrast 
between the " righteous saved, and wicked damned," and 
closes with a prayer that his strangely interested audi- 
tory may be dissuaded from sin, and find mercy at the 
cross. 

The most remarkable thing about his address, how- 
ever, was the steady persistence with which he predicted 
the defeat of their intended expedition to Baltimore. 
The army had hitherto met with but feeble resistance at 
any point up or down the Bay. Bladensburg had proved 
the weakness of our defence, Washington was a heap of 
smoking ruins, Alexandria capitulated without resistance, 
and now with " concentrated force, the whole squadron 
pours its flushed and confident thousands on Baltimore. 

Under these circumstances it might well be supposed 
that this city was doomed to destruction ; yet in the face 
of all the probabilities of the case, Joshua Thomas ex- 
pressed a conviction "that came to him" of the result, 
which subsequent events proved to be correct. Was this 
on his part a mere wish, — a whim, or peradventure ? 
" You cannot take it!" he reiterated that day; Perhaps 
he remembered that thousands in that city were on their 



148 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

knees, morning, noon, and night, interceding with God ! 
That some of his acquaintances from " Light Lane Meet- 
ing house," who had, by their success in prayer and la- 
bor at camp meeting there on that beach, displayed 
"power with God," were in the city, and formed its 
rampart and defence, in unseen agency with the Lord 
Jehovah ! That Divine being was ids strength and song, 
at all events, and had become his "salvation." 

The proud fleet weighed anchor, and with pennants 
streaming, and decks bristling with the machinery of 
war, stood up the Bay, and left the anxious islanders 
awaiting the issue. 

The booming of heavy ordnance was wafted o'er the 
waters day after day, and night after night — gun answer- 
ing to gun, until silence told the people of Tangier that 
the fight was over. But was it gained or lost by the assail- 
ants ? For tidings that might settle this question they 
waited with sleepless eagerness. Brother Thomas showed 
no concern, except for the slain in battle, of which he 
expected to hear. He says : 

" T7hen the battle was over, we saw them coming, and 
I went down to meet the first that landed. I felt great 
distress, for fear many of those I knew had been killed, 
and also lest some of our own people, (the citizens of 
Baltimore,) had met their death. My worst fears were 
far short of the reality ! 

" The first officers I met, I asked them if they had 
taken Baltimore ? They looked at me and said, 'No, but 
hundreds of our brave men have been slain, and our best 
General is killed. It turned out just as you told us the 
Sunday before we left : we have had a bloody battle, 



PREACHING TO THE ARMY. 149 

arid all the time we were fighting we thought of you, and 
what you told us. You seemed to be standing right be- 
fore us, still warning us against our attempt to take Bal- 
timore.' " 

A few messages were conveyed to him, of a deeply 
affecting character. One sought him out, and informed 
him of a comrade who was mortally wounded at North 
Point, and who, before he breathed his last, said, " God 
bless Parson Thomas. He showed me the way to Christ 
and now, though I die, I hope for mercy and salvation 
through the name of Jesus, and expect to meet that good 
man in heaven." 

A poor wounded grenadier returned, and in a con- 
versation with the "Parson," said; " I never felt my 
sinfulness before God until that Sunday you preached 
to us ; and while the bullets were flying, and my com- 
rades falling on every hand, the other day, I cast myself 
on the merits of the Lamb of God, and now feel at 
peace." 

Another told him he should carry the recollection of 
that exhortation home with him to England, and not 
forget it while he lived. 

Thus was "bread cast upon the waters," and saving 
truth scattered over the wide seas, by a man whose only 
boast, was, that which we find marked and emphasized, 
in his well-thumbed hymn book, as the great motto of 
his religious life : 

" Nothing less will I require, 
Nothing more can I desire ; 
None but Christ to me he given ; 
None hut Christ in earth or heaven. 



150 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

that I might now decrease ! 
O that all I am might cease ! 
Let me into nothing fall ! 
Let my Lord be all in all !" 

After their protracted imprisonment, (for the island 
people were all this time prisoners of ivar,) the news of 
peace was joyful to them beyond all expression. They 
were among the very first on the continent to receive the 
welcome tidings. "In the month of January, 1815," 
says Brother Thomas, " we perceived a mighty stir in 
the camp one day ; and witnessed signals flying, and 
great commotion on ships and shore. We could not tell 
what it meant for some time. By and by, one of the 
officers came riding up to my house as hard as he could 
gallop, crying out, ' Oh ! Parson Thomas ! Parson 
Thomas ! there's peace ! there's peace ! !' I inquired, 
4 How do you know?' ' On !' said he, ' yonder is the 
ship,' pointing down the bay to where a large vessel 
was seen coming up, £ and she has a white flag at her 
mast head. That signal means peace, and now we know 
the war is over !' I became as joyful as he appeared to 
be when I saw the white emblem, and heard the salutes 
fired, my heart leaped within me as the noble ship steered 
on to Washington, where the treaty of peace was soon 
after agreed to, and ratified by our President. 

" The news flew, like lightning, over the United States, 
and everywhere there was great rejoicing." 

With one more paragraph, the manuscript, which, 
though worn with age, has been found so interesting and 
serviceable, closes : and thereafter we must depend on 
the somewhat disconnected, but abundant, memoranda 



PREACHING TO THE ARMY. 151 

supplied by those who have come to our aid with com- 
mendable alacrity, and with contributions which will be 
found interesting and accurate in relation to " The 
Parson," during his subsequent, and more public ministry. 

" As the ponderous men of war piped to weigh anchor 
for the last time, we all were gathered on the beach to 
return their waving farewell. We, had some blessed 
meetings together before they struck their tents, and 
many tears were shed between us, as we took the part- 
ing hand ; for though in general they were enemies to 
our beloved country, we found many of them friends of 
Jesus, and fellow citizens with the saints, in the house- 
hold of faith, and hope to meet some of them among the 
saved at last." 

When the camp meeting season rolled round that same 
year, the active spirit of the good Parson had made 
every arrangement for a great gathering of the armies 
of the Lord on the old ground at Tangier. Hundreds 
who had never visited the place before, were in attend- 
ance, and wonderingly listened while Brother Thomas 
recounted the history of the past few years, on that 
remarkable spot. The mounds which were constructed 
as forts were there, and the graves along the shore to 
the south, where many of their dead had been buried, 
were also to be seen, with other traces of the history of 
the occupancy of the island by the British army. 

The preachers at that meeting, drew many forcible 
illustrations of divine truth from the incidents of the war. 
Rev. L, Lawrenson, who about this time began to be 
known as one of the most mighty and eloquent preachers 
Methodism had ever owned on the Peninsula, instructed 



152 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

and electrified thousands by his great sermon on the 
text, ; * Now then we are ambassadors for Christ. £e." — 
referring to the war. its ravages, its end ; and the treaty 
of Ghent, made by ambassadors for their respective 
governments ; and forcibly applying this text, as the 
authority of God's ambassadors to make a treaty with 
sinful men, " beseeching them, in Christ's stead, to be 
reconciled to God." " Oh! that the white flag of peace 
may be hung out to-day !'' he exclaimed, " as the symbol 
of reconciliation between you, rebel sinners, and your 
long suffering and forbearing God!" 

It was not long before the depression occasioned by 
the war, and the general stagnation of business resulting 
from the presence of a powerful enemy, almost at the 
doors of the people living near the Chesapeake waters, 
yielded to prosperity with the return of peace. In this 
present year of grace, 1860, the visitor to almost any 
family residence in the lower counties of the eastern 
shore, may, on inquiry, gain abundant information about 
those trying years of invasion and anxiety ; and hear of 
vessels captured and burned or sunk, of dwellings plun- 
dered, and the names of persons among the militia 
companies, who met, at every point, and repelled, in 
every encounter, the advance of the foe. 

It is not within our scope, or the province of these 
memoirs — to dwell upon the engagements that took place 
at various points along the rivers and bay shore, in which 
signal bravery was displayed by the citizens, in defence 
of their homes and property: or we might pursue this 
theme to almost any extent. Ooe circumstance may be 
recalled and corroborated before we close this chapter. 



PREACHING TO THE ARMY. 153 

It will be remembered that we gave an account of a 
skirmish which took place in Accomac, in which a very 
promising young British soldier was fatally wounded and 
afterwards died in camp at Tangier, hoping in Christ 
through Parson Thomas' prayers and religious instruc- 
tion. That engagement is well remembered by many 
still living. Brother Garrison Burton, a prominent 
member and friend of the Methodist Church in Accomac 
Co., Virginia, was in the engagement referred to, and 
gave the writer, some years since, a vivid description of 
what he termed "this brush with the enemy," causing 
him to beat a precipitate retreat, before repeated volleys 
of musketry, with which the valiant Virginians repelled 
him from their shores. 

We do not know how far religion really lost ground 
from 1812 to 1815, in this region of country. The 
preachers attended regularly to their work. Revivals 
are mentioned, as having taken place at intervals, 
churches were erected, and local preachers and exhorters 
were commissioned every year, to swell the official host 
of this aggressive branch of the church which seems to 
have continued steadily advancing in successes and re- 
sources, "leaning on the arm of her beloved; clear as 
the sun, fair as the moon, and terrible as an army with 
banners I" 

Camp meetings, as we have intimated, were resumed 
on the beach with increased zest and energy ; and as we 
have incidentally introduced the name of Rev. Lawrence 
Lawrenson, in connection with these mighty convocations 
of the Methodist people, it may be interesting to many 
who loved that man of God, as perhaps they loved but 



154 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

few men — particularly as little, if anything, has been pub- 
lished relating to his ministry, character, and success, 
while in this part of the Lord's vineyard, — to present the 
result of some extended research for memorials of his 
life and labors, in the form of a separate chapter. 



REV. LAWRENCE LAWRENSON. 155 



CHAPTER XI. 

Mr. Lawrenson on the Peninsula — Acquaintance and intimacy with Mr. 
Thomas — His social habits — Appearance — Cause of despondency — Pulpit 
efforts — Favorite texts — Incidents — The sheep and lambs — As much 
right to preach as Paul had — Hypocrites — Curtis' chapel — The lawyers — 
Charade — Adventures with Mr. Thomas — Preach like Lawrenson — A 
sign to stop — Preaching in bed — Amusing scene — Shouting in a fog — 
Elijah's mantle — Death of Lawrenson — Memoir — Last experience joyful. 

The history of our "Parson of the Islands," would be 
incomplete without some allusion to a man for whom he 
cherished the most unbounded admiration, and in whom 
he was almost bound up by a sense of obligation and a 
respectful deference that filled his heart and strongly 
marked his future life. 

That man was the Rev. Lawrence Lawrenson. 

Mr. Lawrenson became a member of the Philadelphia 
Conference in 1810. After four years of toil and travel 
we find him on the Annamessex Circuit, and learn that 
he became at once a prominent and popular minister of 
the gospel. His name stands connected with this par- 
ticular field of labor during the year 1814, and again in 
1816, and 1817. The two following years he traveled 
the Accomac Circuit, and was, by earnest request, returned 
to Annamessex in 1820. 



156 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

He was appointed Presiding Elder of what was at 
that time called the "Chesapeake," or Lower District, 
in 1822, and in this capacity, served the church the full 
term of four years. His district included the fields of 
labor he had formerly occupied, and where his hold on 
the affections of the people was so strong and mutual. 

During all this time — ten years — he and Mr. Thomas 
were intimate friends, and traveled much in company; 
the one amused and cheered up by the other's simplicity, 
quaintness, inexhaustible humor, and lively religious 
temperament ; while Tie was profoundly impressed, and 
daily edified, by contact with a man surpassed by none 
who have sustained the character of a Methodist preacher, 
on the lower part of the Peninsula. 

He gave a character and position to the denomination, 
with the interests of which he was identified, which it 
has maintained, through evil and good report, until the 
present time. Of all the itinerant preachers who have 
traveled this circuit, for the last fifty years, none are 
remembered more distinctly and affectionately than he. 
The texts he used, the sermons he preached, even his 
manner, tones, and features, are present to the minds, 
and still warm up the hearts of those who knew him ; 
and who, under his powerful appeals from the pulpit, 
were drawn to the cross, and led into the fold of Christ. 

He was almost an idol with the early Methodists in 
various localities, where most of his leisure hours were 
passed, and so commanded the regard of persons of 
other denominations, or of no particular church affinity, 
as to make for himself a cordial welcome to their homes. 
He gained such an ascendency over their minds, as to 



REV. LAWRENCE LAWRENSON. 157 

" prepare tlie way," for his successors, to an almost 
universal acceptability among all ranks and classes of 
the people. 

As a feeble memorial to his honored name, we have 
gleaned a number of facts and incidents, which will 
recall the "former times," lingered over by many in 
the church, as the bright days of their own past history 
and experience. 

His quick discernment detected in the character of 
Brother Thomas certain traits, which endeared this 
good man to his heart. At his instance the island ex- 
horter was authorized to preach, and under his persua- 
sions, as we have intimated in a former chapter, the 
first effort at preaching was attempted at St. Peter's 
church, in Annamessex. 

In the same way did he encourage others, in whom he 
discovered adaptation to the work, to assume positions 
of prominence in the church, and was generally success- 
ful in putting "the right man in the right place." 

One of the most notable peculiarities about him was 
the depression and melancholy which at intervals seemed 
to prey upon his mind. He would at intervals sit silent 
for hours, and sometimes for days, among his friends, 
without evincing any desire for conversation, never 
speaking except spoken to, and then would merely an- 
swer, "yes," or "no." At such times it was remarked, 
he drank water almost incessantly, and if alone would 
walk the floor in abstraction and deep study. He never 
shunned society, or avoided his acquaintances under 
such circumstances. At other times he was partial to 
young society, and in the company of ladies, would 



158 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

exert himself to show attention and be agreeable. He 
was not a misanthrope, as some conjectured, from the 
reserve they observed in him at times ; nor was he 
haughty or proud, though he eschewed the cut-a-vay 
style in his coat, and dressed unlike the fathers and his 
brethren in the itinerancy at that day. His portly per- 
son, florid face, bristling hair, and general carriage, may 
have been mistaken for indifference to the usages of the 
times when it is often declared. u you could identify a 
Methodist preacher as far as you could see him." and 
when members, like their ministers, "put on meekness"' 
in the form of a strait breasted coat, or a broad' brim 
hat ! Mr. Lawrenson dressed in the finest material, 
though he never seemed particular as to how his apparel 
was adjusted on his person, or whether his respectable 
broad cloth was on wrong or right side out. 

He spent much of his leisure time in Potato Neck, at 
the residence of his friend. Francis Waters, or that of 
Mr. Sadler, for the families of whom he manifested a 
special regard. At Brother 'Waters' he found a conge- 
nial spirit in the person of Mr. Francis Waters, Junior, 
who about that time became a preacher, and is still a 
highly talented and useful minister. 

With Miss Susan Waters he enjoyed an acquaintance 
which materially contributed to his happiness. She is 
said to have been one of the most amiable, accomplished, 
and devotedly pious ladies of her day. 

In her early, and lamented death, it was supposed, 
died the hope, and in her grave was buried the love, of 
Lawrenson. 

If this conjecture is correct, it may account for much 



REV. LAWRENCE LAWRENSON. 159 

of the apparent desolation of his social feelings at times, 
and justify the subsequent indifference he exhibited, 
■when approached on the subject of marriage by some 
who took that liberty, from the desire they felt that he 
might adopt a more settled life. 

His refuge from despondency was the pulpit. This 
indeed was his true sphere. In class meeting he rarely 
became animated, or said more than a few words, after 
his unvariable question, " Tell us the state of your mind ?" 
had been answered with fluency and feeling by the 
members. 

As a preacher, he soared, oftentimes, to the third 
heaven of ecstatic joy and triumph. With a crowded 
house, and a warm-hearted few to sustain him by prayer, 
he seemed imbued with "the unction of the Holy One." 

His efforts were " in demonstration of the Spirit and 
with power;" and the fruits of his mighty outpourings 
of burning eloquence were gathered, in converted hun- 
dreds, into the church. So vivid were his representa- 
tions of divine truth, that men under the influence of 
worldly pride, or denominational prejudice, trembled as 
he portrayed a "trembling Felix," and were altogether 
persuaded to espouse Christ, as "he depicted the beauty 
and glory of an immediate surrender to the claims of 
the gospel, in contrast with the temporising and soul-de- 
stroying policy of him who said, " Go thy way for this 
time." On this text "his word was with power." 

When he announced that stirring appeal from Isaiah, 
" Come now and let us reason together, saith the Lord ; 
though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as 
snow ; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as 



160 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

wool !" and told the merciful condescension of a long 
suffering God, as revealed in his providence, and the plan 
of redemption ; even the children of his congregations 
were thrilled and impressed to that degree, that, at their 
firesides to day, they speak to their children " the words 
of this salvation as they heard them from his lips. 

A lady informed the writer, a short time since, that 
she never forgot the following verses after hearing him 
quote them in one of his sermons : — 

" Suppose the sea with ink was filled, 
And parchment all the land ; 
And every single stick a quill, — 
A scribe each ready hand. 

" To write thy love, O gracious God ! 
"Would run the ocean dry ; 
Nor could the scroll contain the whole, 
Though stretched from sky to sky." 

"I shall never forget," says another, "the sermon he 
preached, and the meeting which followed, the night I 
was, with several others, converted. The service was 
held at Brother Jones', in Rock Creek, near the Tho- 
roughfare. He went down there to preach for the ac- 
commodation of the old people who were too infirm to 
attend church. His text was John xxi. 15, 16, 17. He 
walked the floor while preaching, and on the point of 
1 Love to Jesus,' was more than ordinarily animated and 
eloquent. 'Peter's language,' he said, 'was the language 
and settled sentiment of his own heart, " Yea, Lord, thou 
knowest all things— -thou Jcnowest that I love thee!" 

" ' And now,' said he, ' I have the lambs of the flock 



REV. LAWRENCE LAWRENSON. 161 

to feed. These dear little children. Children, I want 
to win you to Christ ; little lambs, come into his blessed 
fold. Oh gentle Shepherd ! loving Jesus ! take them 
now in thine arms, and seal them for thine own !' This 
prayer was answered in a most signal manner that night." 
The lady who gave me this account was then a small 
girl, and was, with others, then and there so filled with 
Divine love, that they still hear their Shepherd's voice ; 
and, as members of the Church, "go in and out, and 
find pasture," none since that hour having been able to 
pluck them out of his hand. 

The preacher, also, had much to say to, and about, 
the sheep, and the diligent pastor's duty. He was so 
happy that he clapped his hands joyfully, saying, " Glory 
to God," — dwelling with full, round emphasis on the 
"Glory," and always pronouncing the sacred name in 
a short, rapid, and energetic manner, — " Glory to God" 
— as he walked through the crowded rooms of weeping 
and happy people — " I am feeding my Lord's sheep, hal- 
lelujah /" 

It appears he often went out of his ordinary way to 
visit and preach to the aged and infirm. 

The house of Lazarus Maddux in Potato Neck, was 
the spiritual birth-place of many precious souls. There 
the first society was formed and nurtured, which has now 
expanded into the "Fairmount Station." Father Mad- 
dux was one of the most holy, useful, and highly re- 
spected men of his day. He was an exhorter, and, 
though once recommended and elected as a licensed 
preacher, to his credit, it is on the old journal recorded, 



162 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

"He refused the honor," and preferred the more humble 
office of a hard-working exhorter in the Church. 

To the house of this "Father in Israel," Mr. Sudler 
once accompanied Brother Lawrenson, on a similar mis- 
sion to that at old Mr. Jones' in Rock Creek. 

He preached from the passage in Acts, "And the dis- 
ciples were called Christians, first at Antioch." 

He had been low spirited for some days, and was, at 
first, somewhat " dry" in his remarks, as he reviewed 
the conversion, travels, sufferings, and successes of the 
Apostle Paul — the revival at Antioch, and the charac- 
teristics of a true Christian. In the^course of his re- 
marks he became happy, and bounding off the second 
step of the stairway, where he stood, he walked the floor 
in great exultation of soul, exclaiming, "Glory to God! 
I feel that I am commissioned from on high, and have 
just as much right to preach as Paul had /" 

A text well remembered as the foundation of one of 
his masterly discourses was, "Buy the truth, sell it 
not." 

Another of his telling sermons was based upon our 
Lord's words, " The Queen of the South," &c, and ex- 
hibited in grand proportion the character and claims of 
the Son of God. 

Salisbury was one of his appointments at that period, 
being connected until many years afterwards with the 
Annamessex circuit. 

At this place he is remembered as one of the most elo- 
quent and effective preachers the older people have ever 
known. Many of the prominent citizens of the town 
were attracted to hear him, and though strongly attached 



REV. LAWRENCE LAWRENSON. 1G3 

to church forms, and opposed to some of the stirring 
doctrines he advanced, were finally induced to seek re- 
generating grace, and a knowledge of sin forgiven, and 
pardon sealed on their own hearts, under his ministry. 

He was in the habit of leaving the pulpit toward the 
close of his sermons, and stepping down on a bench in 
front, which he walked to and fro, appealing to and ex- 
horting sinners to seek a present salvation. 

When stopping at Brother Riders, he fell into one of 
his gloomy periods, a man named Levin Hitch, who was 
chief singer in the church, and noted for his liveliness 
in conversation, and his resources in anecdote, visited 
him, and greatly cheered him by his welcome company. 

A brother on Deal's Island, who had left the church 
for some cause, was induced to seek readmission after 
listening to one of his powerful sermons at Rock Creek. 
Mr. Lawrenson, in closing the discourse, exclaimed, 
" What more can I say ? What else can I do to win you 
to my God ? I will go down on my knees and there 
plead w T ith you." Down he went, into the altar, fell on 
his knees, and continued his entreaties, until the power 
of the Spirit came upon the people. 

" That sort of preaching knocked me over," said this 
man to a neighbor, as they were repairing to their homes. 

He took his congregation by surprise once at Rock 
Creek, while preaching on the parable of the marriage 
supper. After an able exposition of doctrinal truth in 
relation to the character and extent of the gospel pro- 
vision to meet the world's want, he began to apply the 
subject, and expose the cavilings and pretexts which men 



164 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

employ to 'evade the direct call of Divine grace, and con- 
tinue in the pursuits and pleasures of sin. 

" And now," said he, with an intense earnestness, and 
a soul on fire, " it may be that there are some under the 
sound of my voice, who are sincerely desirous of an in- 
terest in the promises, and long for fellowship with the 
people of God : but they look around them and raise 
the question, ' To whom shall I go ; with what body of 
professing Christians shall I cast in my lot, and identify 
my interests and hopes for eternity ? There is a church, 
but its standard of personal piety is low, and its doc- 
trines indefinite or unintelligible. I cannot venture 
there. But here is another denomination, its creed is 
consistent, its ritual excellent, and its history respecta- 
ble, yet there does not seem to be vitality in its teach- 
ings, or that which may meet and satisfy the need of 
my craving soul in its formula. I want power to save. 
Well, there is another church, full of life, fire, and zeal. 
Its ministers appear honest, its members in earnest, but 
there are hypocrites among them, and loathing hypoc- 
risy. I keep myself away from their communion. What 
shall I do V 

"I'll tell you what I would do," said the preacher. 
" If I was to-day in such a case, without church con- 
nection, and seeking one which I thought would best 
promote my present and eternal salvation. Between the 
church said to have no hypocrites and one that was 
charged with having many, which do you suppose I would 
prefer?" 

Everybody supposed he would, and knew they would 
prefer the one without these blots on the name of Christ, 



REV. LAWRENCE LAWRENSON. 165 

these pests to true piety, and expected to hear him an- 
nounce this preference in his next breath : but no ; he 
avowed his choice of the church that was accused of hav- 
ing plenty in its fold. This declaration was startling to 
many, but he proceeded to assign a reason in vindication 
of his choice. "Where hypocrisy exists," he main- 
tained, " there is evidence even in this fact, that the good 
and true are there : but in that denomination where not 
a case of this kind appears, there must arise a suspicion 
that there is nothing there worth counterfeiting ; no 
sound saving religion at all !" 

To illustrate this position, he added, " I have been 
many years traveling about in this country, and have 
been well acquainted with the status of your Somerset 
County Bank, but I have never yet seen or heard of a 
counterfeit on its currency ; and why ? because its money 
is below par I Counterfeits flood the land, but they are 
all on sound banks, safe institutions, and no other. He 
would be a silly fool as well as a great knave, who would 
devote his misdirected genius to the task of counter- 
feiting a worthless bank. So that this objection, which 
I have heard over and over again against the Methodist 
Church, has no real force in it, but rather proves, if there 
are miserable counterfeits and hypocrites among us, that 
we are not below par ; that we stand fair before a gain- 
saying world. I give glory to God for this, that there 
is in the doctrines, experience, and practical holiness of 
our beloved church, a vitality that commands the reluc- 
tant, but emphatic commendation of her enemies. Let 
me be a Methodist !" 

There were "aniens," we may well suppose, to that, 



166 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

and, while hypocrisy was unmasked, the faith of sincere 
Christians was greatly confirmed by this mode of illustrat- 
ing the subject in hand. 

He had a habit when fully aroused in the pulpit of 
stepping back, and then surging foward to give emphasis 
to his utterance. Whenever the people noticed this 
movement they knew his soul was free, and the " Spirit 
of the Lord God rested upon" him. 

Curtis' Chapel has often resounded with the tones of 
his voice. To this place, the people for many miles 
around repaired on the occasion of his visits. The 
families of Captain Cottman, and Colonel Jones, also 
that of Z. Long, Esq., attended his ministry, and made 
him a welcome guest at their homes, when he preached 
there. 

The supposed fact, that he had been educated for the 
bar, attracted legal gentlemen to his congregations, and 
many who regarded with contempt the name of " Metho- 
dist" before, after hearing him were led to respect the 
denomination he represented, and abandon the prejudices 
they had in ignorance formed against this people. 

One Sabbath morning at Curtis', he had, to use a 
common expression, " the harness on," and wielded the 
"sword of the Spirit" with an irresistible effect. A 
Judge and several members of the profession from 
Princess Anne were present, and confessed themselves 
astonished at the power and pathos with which he urged 
home the truth. "He is a giant in intellect," said one, 
as they met outside after sermon. " And good as he is 
great" said another. "Come," said a third, "I have 



REV. LAWRENCE LAWRENSON. 167 

never paid a cent to help these fellows along, let us put 
something in the hat to-day." 

The collector approached, and was astounded to see 
a number of notes, of respectable denomination, thrown 
in. His summing up for the "support of the gospel" 
that day, was comparatively enormous. 

One instance is given, where his constitutional infir- 
mity followed him to the pulpit, and so depressed his 
feelings that, although the congregation were as usual 
attentive and interested, he suddenly closed the Bible 
and turning to Brother Quinn who sat behind him said, 
"Brother, get up and finish the sermon, for I cannot." 

His playfulness at rare intervals, when he could 
adapt himself to any company, without losing his habitual 
dignity, the following incident will show : 

Meeting with Brother Pinto, who was then a young 
man and somewhat bashful, at the house of a mutual 
friend, he inquired if he could solve the following charade : 

" In olden time as Scripture doth record, 
Lived one who never did offend the Lord ; 
The truth he told and ne'er did sin commit ; 
Yet in Christ's kingdom he shall never sit." 

"Who was that?" said he. Mr. P. happened to be 
posted and answered correctly, much to the amusement 
of both parties who -had a pleasant laugh over it. 

He then entered into familiar conversation with him 
about his conversion, and connection with the church, 
and exhorted him hold fast his profession — thus preach- 
ing in the parlor as well as in the pulpit. 

Such was the man to whom Joshua Thomas felt drawn 
by an irresistible impulse, following him to learn re- 



168 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

ligion from his lips, while lie tried to cheer him by his 
faith and prayers. 

The history of those adventures in which the two men 
Thomas and Lawrenson figured together, would fill 
many a page. We have room but for a few, " from 
grave to gay, from lively to severe." 

When Brother Thomas became a local preacher, and 
formed his preaching plan, he found his resources often 
inadequate to .the demand made upon him. Texts, he 
had marked in great abundance, but of sermons, his 
stock was very limited. He went off to Annamessex on 
one occasion to hear Brother L. and while listening to 
the sermon, "it came to him" — in the form of a tempta- 
tion as he afterwards discovered, to model his style after 
that of Brother Lawrenson, and a desire took possession 
of him, to try and preach exactly like his preceptor. He 
gave absorbing attention to the discourse — noted text — 
introduction — argument — illustrations, and conclusion, 
and avoided every thing that might have a tendency to 
divert his burdened thoughts before his return home. 
When he arrived, he made a special appointment, intend- 
ing to astonish his unsophisticated neighbors, with such 
a discourse as they never heard Mm deliver before. 

"Won't they wonder," said he to himself, "when 
they hear what I am going to say to-day V" The con- 
gregation assembled, the "Parson" took his position, 
performed the introductory services, and proceeded, in 
the dignified and forcible style of Brother L., to announce 
his text. He proceeded with a few sounding sentences, 
then stammered — finally stopped, in as tangled a thicket 
as ever poor preacher was before. He saw his error, 



REV. LAWRENCE LAWRENSON. 169 

confessed his fault to the people, and forever abandoned 
the idea of preaching like Brother Lawrenson or any- 
body else — "And brother," he would afterward say, 
" when I tried to go on again, I could not even preach like 
Brother Thomas!" 

In this severe way he learned the homiletic law — 
without the aid of Simeon, Claude, or Dr. Clark. " Be 
yourself 7" The memory of that hour, when in the ordi- 
nary parlance of the species clericus, he felt ' ' in the bushes, 
or the "strait jacket," or, in his own more forcible if 
homely phrase, "in the gripes !" brought with it horror 
to his mind. 

How far others may have had a similar experience, 
and trying to be more, have fallen below their own ordi- 
nary level, we do not feel free to investigate. Brother 
Thomas was ever afterwards emphatically himself. 

He rated his abilities in comparison with the itinerant 
preachers, and especially with the eloquent and mighty 
Lawrenson, as very small ; yet his brethren always put 
him forward whenever they could, as much for their own 
gratification, as in view of the fact, that his "talk" 
greatly interested and benefited the people. 

On one occasion Brother L. requested him to fill his 
appointment, and preach in his place. This he declined 
doing, but the other insisted. "No," said Brother 
Thomas, " you preach, and let me exhort after you are 
through." " Better let me exhort after you," said Law- 
renson, " for then, if you make any mistakes, I can cor- 
rect them." This argument prevailed, and he proceeded 
to preach. The discourse was tedious and tiresome, the 
people wearied, and his friend out of patience when he 



170 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

wound up. When they had retired, and were alone, 
Brother L., in familiar pleasantry, alluded to the long 
sermon. "Why did you not stop me," said Brother T., 
" when you thought I ought to sit down ?" " Oh," said 
the other, " I did not like to interrupt you." " Well now," 
said he, " next time I preach or exhort too long in your 
presence, give me a sign to stop when you think I have 
gone far enough." 

This was agreed upon, and before long, Brother T. 
was again before the congregation, his friend and moni- 
tor sitting behind him. He was in good trim, and the 
people were all attention, as he began to tell an anec- 
dote at the commencement of his exhortation. Brother 
Lawrenson had occasion, in the narrow pulpit, to change 
his position, and in doing so, touched the speaker with 
his foot. This was the concerted sign, and much to the 
astonishment of the people, as well as to the surprise of 
Brother L., he abruptly sat down without even finishing 
the sentence on his lips. " Go on, brother," said L., 
"You touched me," said T. "It was an accident," said 
L., "go on, go on." "Can't do it now, b-brother," 
said the discomfited T., "you have spoiled my exhorta- 
tion, and now, understand, our bargain is broken, and 
hereafter I shall talk as long as I please." "Agreed," 
said the other, and so the misunderstanding was mutu- 
ally settled. 

The adventure at a camp meeting at Nanticoke Point, 
in which Mr. Lawrenson volunteered an apology for his 
friend Thomas, — how he managed the matter, and what 
came of it, will be given in a future chapter. 

When they were thrown in each other's company, Bro- 



REV. LAWRENCE LAWRENSON. 171 

ther Thomas generally improved the opportunity, in 
seeking information on the Scriptures, and direction how 
to preach from this and that passage. They were at a 
Quarterly Meeting on a certain occasion, and after re- 
tiring for the night, kept up conversation until a late 
hour. Brother Parks and one or two preachers were 
present, and all had a word to say, or an opinion to ad- 
vance, on the plan, divisions, and doctrine of particular 
texts. Brother Thomas expressed a great partiality for 
a certain passage, and was asked by Brother Lawrenson 
to "try it," and give them a sermon right off. Brother 
T. began to " work" his text, and after a little, sat up 
in bed, his horizontal position being unfavorable to ges- 
ticulation and fluency. As he "warmed up" with this 
"trial sermon," and floated off into deeper soundings, 
he slid out of bed, and continued his discourse walking 
the floor. He preached up to shouting point very soon, 
and "went off," in a regular spell of rejoicing. This 
was too much for the excitable Brother John Parks. 
The fire caught, and he was speedily on the floor. The 
other preachers sat up in bed, and said "Amen," to the 
resounding " Glory." Meantime the family and friends 
who lodged below stairs, had been roused by the "big 
meeting' ' going on, and had come up to help, when some 
one suddenly struck a light ! * * * * 

The ludicrous spectacle upset all gravity in the mind 
of Lawrenson for many days, and was remembered for 
years afterward; he could never think on this scene, 
when "light was thrown upon it," without immoderate 
laughter. 

Among the presents cherished by Brother Thomas, 



172 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

were two elegant shirts from his friend Lawrenson, one 
of which he always put on, in after years, when he had 
an appointment of more than ordinary importance to 
fill, thinking that this arrangement approached the idea 
of "Elijah's mantle!" 

Mr. Lawrenson occasionally preached on the Islands 
at the house of a good old churchman, there being no 
place of worship erected as yet, and it being the most 
commodious and central for the assembling of the peo- 
ple. Among these simple, loving people he enjoyed him- 
self very much, and the voyage to and from the islands 
being invariably made in company with Brother Thomas, 
they had "glorious times." Once they were steering 
for old Brother Evans' on Kedges Straits, when it fell 
calm, and became densely foggy. Floating on with the 
tide, and not knowing whither, Brother T. offered a 
prayer, then sung a hymn, after which Brother L. ad- 
dressed the throne of grace. When another hymn was 
started, Brother Thomas became happy, and commenced 
to shout, and shouted on until their craft touched the 
shore. The mist clearing away at the moment, revealed 
to them the bearings of their situation, and to their sur- 
prise, they were at the very landing, to which they were 
bound. 

Stopping for dinner at a place in Annamessex after 
one of these trips, they were both hungry, but the repast 
was very plain, and very scanty. Their host remarked, 
" Brethren, help yourselves to what you see, (a couple of 
diminutive herrings,) if we are not good people, it is 
better than we deserve, and if we are God's children, we 
ought to be thankful for anything." 



REV. LAWRENCE LAWRENSON. 173 

"Hold on, brother," said Mr. Thomas, "that sort of 
talk will do for such as you and I, but Brother Lawren- 
son here deserves the fattest chicken or the best turkey 
on your premises, and you would believe it, if you had 
heard him preach yesterday as I have." 

The news of Mr. Lawrenson's sudden death came 
upon his Island friends, and the people generally among 
whom he was known and loved, as a heavy blow. None 
mourned him with a keener sorrow, a deeper sense of 
bereavement, than Brother Joshua Thomas — who, ever 
afterward, counted heaven all the dearer, and more de- 
sirable, since he hoped to meet there the friend of his 
soul, and spend an eternity with his redeemed spirit 
"before the throne." 

He died on the 4th day of April, 1829, in the fiftieth 
year of his age. The immediate cause of his death was 
an inflammation of the throat ; and the tidings brought 
great grief upon his brethren and friends. 

His Memoir published in the Annual Minutes, though 
brief, is a fitting tribute to his memory. In it, the writer 
says : " In the various stations assigned him, he labored 
with distinguished acceptability and success. As Pre- 
siding Elder, he endeared himself to the preachers and 
people. He possessed a noble and generous mind; and 
although greatly subject to lowness of spirit, yet under 
the influence of a divine unction he often preached with 
an energy, eloquence, and effect equalled by few, and 
perhaps exceeded by none. He triumphantly soared 
above his constitutional infirmity, and poured forth the 
truths of the everlasting gospel, with an ardor that 
evinced his sincerity, and with an affection that gained 



174 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

the attention, and melted the hearts of his hearers. And 
now he lives to die no more." 

The inquiries made by some of his most intimate 
friends, as to how he died, and whether he gave evidence 
of possessing faith and consolation in his last hours, 
brought to them the welcome intelligence that his death 
was a triumph. It is said that shortly before the fatal 
hour, he was heard to repeat with much fervor and em- 
phasis, the following stanza : 

" His name yields the richest perfume, 
And sweeter than music His voice, 
His presence disperses my gloom, 
And makes all within me rejoice." 



KEMINISCENCES OF SOLOMON EVANS. 175 



CHAPTER XII. 

Richard and Solomon Evans — The "Spanker," — Mrs. Evans and the officer 
— She gains the victory — A long married life — Second Marriage of Solo- 
mon — His record of preachers — Recollections of the Revolution — A 
woman's curse — Grissom — Barge fight in Kedges Straits — Ghost stories — 
A haunted man — A jacket demanded — Saulsbury's grave — Captain Weeins 
— Naval engagement — Effective broadside — Reminiscences — A renegade's 
death— A barge pursued — A brand from the burning — " The fathers, 
where are they ?" 

Before removing the scene of our narrative from the 
lower islands where Brother Thomas continued to reside 
until about the year 1820, we have a few sketches to 
introduce in relation to men and things there. Our 
readers will remember some allusion to the Evans' — 
Richard called "king" from the fact of his possessing a 
conceded ascendency in religion, politics, and general 
business among the island people; and Solomon, called 
by his neighbors "Uncle Sol," and by our parson 
"Brother Sol." These two men from their great age — 
having been personally conversant with the incidents of 
the Revolutionary war — and from their sterling character 
for honesty and devotedness to the church, were looked 
up to as the chief men of Smith's Island. They lived 
near Kedges Straits, and in the early days of the church, 
provided a conveyance for all their neighbors who lived 



176 THE PAKSON OP THE ISLANDS. 

above the great thoroughfare to attend the meetings. 
They had a large canoe on which they put a flat bottom, 
the easier to glide over the shoals at low water. She 
was called "the Spanker" and carried many a happy 
freight to the little church in days of yore. 

In winter time, so great was the zeal of these men, 
that they would frequently break the ice, and work 
their way in this manner, to the place of prayer, which 
they could not reach except by going most of the way 
by water. 

They have left as a legacy to the church sons and 
daughters, who have inherited all the Christian firmness 
and devotion of their honored parents. 

The wife of Solomon Evans, in the days of British in- 
vasion, was an intrepid and fearless woman. Companies 
of the English were in the habit of " foraging," wherever 
resistance was not expected, and beyond the eye of their 
honorable head officers. Barges under the command 
of subalterns would come off, and ransack the houses 
around Kedges Straits. 

On one of these incursions they visited Evans', and 
proceeded to help themselves. She watched them ap- 
propriating various articles which she prized, — among 
others, a beautiful china bowl, that had been handed 
down with a remarkable history, through several genera- 
tions, from her ancestors. When the officer took it, she 
objected, and seizing it also, held on with a death-like 
grasp. " Let go," said he. "I won't," said she. " You 
must," he roared. " Never," said Mrs. Evans. He then 
swore he would have it. She using the same emphatic 
expletive, said she would have it, at the risk of her life. 



REMINISCENCES OF SOLOMON EVANS. 177 

He gave up his prize, remarking, "Well, it is a. pity 
you were not made a soldier, you would conquer the 
d — 1 himself." She triumphed in the scrimmage, as it 
was called, and the bowl remains in the family, as a tro- 
phy of her victory, until the present day. 

This remarkable woman and her husband lived toge- 
ther sixty years and six months. When she died, his 
loneliness became intolerable. At the age of four score 
and ten, he was left in his dreary dwelling without her 
companionship. The sight of a vacant chair that sat 
over against his place by the fireside, and the ever-pre- 
sent memory of her long and loved society, affected his 
strong nature to tears. His own health was still firm, 
and his activity wonderful, for a man of his years. 

At the instance of some of his friends, he was led to 
the conclusion that he should replace his lost companion 
by another wife. After consulting the Circuit Preacher 
about the matter, and gaining his assent to the expe- 
diency of this step, he hoisted sail, and made a visit to 
Holland's Island, where lived an amiable woman, Mrs. 
Price, widow of the good Ephraim Price. She was then 
seventy-five, but compassionating the situation of her 
friend and gallant suitor, she consented, (bless her !) to 
take the vacant chair by his hearth, and they were married. 
He outlived her, and soon after her decease, went the way 
of all the earth, after she was " buried out of his sight." 

With him there went down to the grave as varied and 

eventful a history as falls to the lot of but very few men. 

He voted at every Presidential Election down to 1850, 

and remembered distinctly the breaking out of the war 

for Independence. 
12 



178 EHB PAKSOX OP THE I5LANL5. 

When Rev. R. E. Kemp and the writer were on Prin- 
cess Anne Circuit in 1850, we paid a visit to' this ven- 
erable man. and found him in the enjoyment of his 
faculties and health, at the age of nearly one hundred 
years. 

As soon as we had partaken of dinner at his table, he 
called on us to pray, after which, he reached up to a 
shelf, took down an old account book, and turning to a 
particular place, recorded both our names. W T --. e 
curious to know the reason of this, when he informed us 
that he had kept a list of every preacher "s name who had 
broken bread at his table, and offered prayer at his do- 
mestic altar. We scanned the column with deep inter- 
e:. noted the marks which signified the sad mortality 
of the ,; Fathers," for, as he ascertained each minisi 
death, he made a record of the fact and date : there 
we com m uned with the spirits of many of oar predeces- 
sors as he told us the traits of their character, the 
texts they had used, and the years they iibored in his 
vicinity. 

"I aspect to nee: them," said he, as i is eye kindled, 
" I expect to meet them soon, in that glory world they 
told us of, and to which so many of them have ascended 
in holy triumph." " Tiiey will welcome you to their 
mansions, Uncle Solomon." said Brother Kemp, "when 
the good Lord calls for you." u Yes,"' said he. "I ex- 
v £ so." 

Brother K. inquired as to his knowledge of the inci- 
dents connected with the terrible barge fight in the 
its. "I remember ::." said he, "as if it was yes- 
terday. The engagement began just opposite my door. 



REMINISCENCES OF SOLOMON EVANS. 179 

I went down and climbed a tree to be out of danger, and 
witnessed the whole battle." 

As to the traditions, ghost stories, and phenomena 
that were frequently repeated on the authority of " Un- 
cle Solomon," we gathered all the particulars in his own 
language, and to correct the exaggerations prevalent on 
this subject, we give his "narratives extraordinary" a 
place among the annals of early times, which are gath- 
ered here. 

" Grissom," said he, referring to one of the command- 
ers at the barge fight, " Grissom was a brave but a bold 
and godless man. His death was remarkable. He op- 
pressed poor people, as we thought, unnecessarily. The 
day before he encountered the British, one of the island 
women came to him,begging the return of her children's 
wearing apparel, which some of his men had, among 
other things, removed from the house. He was in a bad 
humor, and ordered her away. She persisted in her 
reasonable plea, and followed him, until he turned and 
struck her across the arm with his sword, and swore at 
her to be off. She fell on her knees and prayed the 
Almighty that a ball might go through his heart before 
that time next day. Meantime the encounter began. 
Grissom fought bravely but fell, and lost the fight, and 
when examined, it was found that he was shot through 
the heart, and instantly killed. 

" The sound of oars, the collision of boats, the clash 
of steel, the booming of the guns, and the mingled oaths 
and entreaties of the contending forces," continued Uncle 
Sol, " were in my ears for months and years after that 
bloody day. I can almost distinguish these noises yet, 



180 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

in the dead of night." He saw twenty-two men stark 
and gory in death, hauled up on the shore after the 
battle, awaiting burial. It was an awful sight. Some 
days after, a man named Hopkins found a body along 
shore, and after removing some valuables and clothing, 
left it in the water. He was haunted afterward, it was 
said, by an apparition of this drowned soldier. 

Once in his canoe fishing near a point of marsh, he 
heard a noise somewhat like " hah ! hah !" and on looking 
that way, saw the apparition coming towards him, leap- 
ing like a frog, until it jumped clear over him into the 
water beyond ! He frequently met the same appearance 
in lonely walks, and once saw it approaching his door. 
He called his family to look, but they could discern 
nothing. 

After he had been haunted until almost beside him- 
self with fright, and hearing the " hah ! hah !" until the 
sound had become familiar, he went off to the main and 
consulted a Parson Adams, who told him a certain form 
of words to speak when he next saw it ; and he would 
lay it. Thus fortified he returned, but forgot the for- 
mula in his fright at the next encounter. 

The ghost however disappeared, his body having been 
recovered and buried by the brothers Richard and Solo- 
mon Evans. 

He told us another case, and seemed to believe it as 
firmly as he believed anything. A man, named Lawson, 
found a body in the water, and took its jacket, which 
he began to wear. The jacket was demanded a short 
time after, in a very unusual manner. This man in 
company with another was out fishing : a storm came on 



REMINISCENCES OF SOLOMON EVANS. 181 

and they pulled ashore, taking refuge under their canoe, 
which they had turned bottom upwards. Suddenly they 
felt an unaccountable dread falling upon them, and heard 
a thumping on the canoe, which was whirled over, and a 
voice said, " Give me my jacket!" Several times was 
this repeated, until Lawson took off and laid aside the 
garment in dispute, which he never wore afterwards. 

While in this mood we shall give another " circum- 
stance," told as sober fact. A person named Sauls- 
bury, who made his home on the islands, proved unfaith- 
ful to a lady whom he had promised to marry, but whose 
confidence he had betrayed. She laid a fearful maledic- 
tion on him, and from that hour he began to fail. 

In company with Job Parks he went off one day on a 
gunning excursion. It was in the winter of 1780, the 
coldest ever remembered in that latitude. Night came 
on, and they turned homewards. Parks reached his 
house, but the other was found next day, dead and frozen 
in the ice. He was carried up, and buried in a certain 
orchard, where for some time afterwards a light was 
plainly seen, like a flame of fire lingering over his grave. 
This flame, by association with the curse he had become 
involved in, was shudderingly regarded as a signal of his 
fate. 

We received at this time an account of a desperate 
naval engagement, during the days of the Revolution, 
which has found no previous historian, as far as we have, 
by considerable effort, ascertained. 

A sloop of war, bearing the American ensign, was 
chased into the Pocomoke Sound, and there brought to 
bay, by an English brig, cruising in those waters. Both 



182 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

vessels opened fire, and continued to wage the fight until 
the red cross of St. George came down, and the brave 
Yankee conquered his proud foe. He had at the moment 
of victory but seven men of all his force, that were not 
either killed or wounded. With his prize he started for 
Annapolis, and on the voyage met another "Britisher," 
a rakish looking schooner, who bore down on him " like 
a hawk on a chicken." 

The American Captain, ("Weems was his honored 
name,) said to the daring remnant of his crew, " Now my 
brave fellows, this bunting never comes down, so prepare 
yourselves for another brush." The guns were shotted 
with their last round of ammunition, and a pair of 
"steelyards" crammed into one for which there was no 
death dealing ball. On came the enemy, blazing away 
at random. The hats and jackets of their comrades 
below in the sick bay, were ranged on deck to look like 
crowds of men. "When the favorable time came, and 
our sloop which had been silent before, yawed a little, 
the Captain shouted, " Now men, rake her /" The whole 
available force of the broadside went banging and crash- 
ing into the other vessel, and the steelyards made a tan- 
gent through her mainsail, cutting away the halliards, 
and cowing the opposing craft — or her crew — to that 
degree that she struck at once, and Weems arrived in 
due time at his destination, with another trophy of his 
bravery. 

From a budget of reminiscences furnished by Rev. 
Mr. Kemp, we select a few more particulars connected 
with " Uncle Solomon" and his times. He writes : 

" Solomon Evans was one of the most remarkable men 



REMINISCENCES OF SOLOMON EVANS. 183 

I have met with in all my travels. As cotemporary, 
and a faithful fellow laborer, with Brother Thomas, he 
merits a prominent place in the regard of posterity. 
His name is as ointment poured forth, and his influence 
and Christian life will long be remembered, as one of the 
jewels, whom God has gathered home to adorn the living 
temple of the skies. While the blood-thirsty and cruel 
live not half their days, the righteous have the promise, 
" With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my sal- 
vation." 

His recollection was remarkably distinct about the 
barge fight between the Americans under Captain 
Whaley and Lieutenant Handy, and the British, who 
numbered the infamous renegade and Tory, Jo. Whalon, 
among their forces. This Whalon was a desperate vil- 
lain ; doing unheard-of enormities, in crime and blood, 
in those trying times. He escaped the fate of several 
of his associates in crime, who were tried, condemned, 
and justly executed at Cambridge, Md., after the war. 
He ended his days on the marshes, with no companion 
but his guilty conscience, which gave him no rest day or 
night, but arrayed before him an avenging God. His 
groans and screams could be Leard at a great distance, 
when dying there alone. 

" The battle in Kedges Straits, appeared, for a time, 
to be in favor of the Americans, but a magazine ex- 
ploded at the moment when victory was near, and this 
disaster turned the tide of success in favor of the Bri- 
tish. One of the American barges which had been fit- 
ted out in Talbott county, under command of Captain 



184 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

Hadaway, was pursued for more than fifty miles up the 
bay, as far as Sharp's Island, but fortunately escaped. 

"While on Cambridge Circuit, in 1844, I met with a 
Mr. Cook, near Hills Point, who was in this engagement. 
I was also well acquainted with an old Mr. Porter, in 
Talbott, who was one of the bargemen on that memora- 
ble occasion, and was wounded in the fight. He received 
from his country an acknowledgment for his services, in 
the way of a pension, that helped him in his declining 
years. 

" His was a singular case. He lived in sin over 70 
years, and in his extreme old age, grounded the weapons 
of his rebellion, and became a subject of saving grace. 
1 Was not this a brand plucked from the fire V ' 

These " old men and fathers," xohere are they? They 
are removed to the realms of bliss, where war and 
wasting come no more. 

" No rude alarms of raging foes ; 
No cares to break the long repose ; 
No midnight shade, no clouded sun, 
But sacred, high, eternal noon." 



ANECDOTES OE JOHN PARKS. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Conversion of John Parks — Eirst prayer — Eventful life — His brother 
Charles — Mrs. Britania Parks — The death of the righteous — Controversy 
with fiddles — No compromise — Methodist tunes — The violins burned — 
Hamilton Bradshaw — Dream — Conversion of John's mother — Richard 
Bradshaw — His descendants — Mr. Kemp's anecdotes — The lost shoes — 
Waiting for a wife — Borrowing money — The time to ask — His politics — 
A missionary impostor — Tobacco movement — Anecdotes — Lawyers and 
doctors — Nearing Jordan, 

" Be sure to insert a sketch of Brother Parks in your 
book," writes one of our itinerant ministers, "for he 
was almost inseparable from the good 'Parson' in travels, 
adventures, and religious exercises during a great many 
years ; and his name demands, and richly deserves a 
memorial among others renowned in the church, for their 
virtues, integrity, and disinterested devotion to the ser- 
vice of God, and the honor of Methodism." 

John Parks was a cousin to Brother Thomas, and 
raised in the same neighborhood with him on the Tan- 
gier Island. He was converted at the same time and 
place, that witnessed the other's translation out of dark- 
ness into the light and liberty of the sons of God. 

This change took place in his heart a day or two prior 
to the conversion of Brother Thomas, and made him at 



186 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

once a worker in the vineyard of his Lord. He was at 
the first prayer-meeting started on Tangier ; and it will 
be remembered, made the first extemporaneous prayer 
on that occasion. The prayers he has offered, and the 
exhortations he has delivered, since that wonderful Sep- 
tember Sabbath in 1807, -are only numbered in the re- 
cord on high, and known to Him who is not unrighteous, 
to forget his servants' work and labor of love. 

His life has been hardly less eventful, if not so widely 
useful, than that of Brother Thomas himself. The frosts 
of over fourscore years have gathered on his brow, and 
he is now calmly awaiting his change, in the attitude of 
him of old who prayed, "Now, Lord, lettest thou thy 
servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy sal- 
vation." 

His brother, the estimable and pious Charles Parks, 
finished his course at the age of 77, a few years ago, at 
his residence on Deal's Island ; where, in comparative 
ease and affluence, he spent the latter years of his useful 
life. 

He had been a class leader in the church for very 
many years, and was one of the most exemplary and 
pious men of his day and time. The lot on which the new 
church stands, was donated by him ; and the adjoining 
grove, in which camp meetings are now held, is year 
after year placed at the disposal of the community for 
this purpose by his son, Captain Jacob Parks, for whom 
no better wish or prayer could be offered, than that he 
may imitate the excellences, and enjoy at last the in- 
heritance, his sainted father has gained " through riches 
of grace in Christ Jesus." 



ANECDOTES OF JOHN PARKS. 187 

The wife of Brother Charles Parks survived him, and 
but recently has gone to the blissful reunion of the skies. 
She was one of the oldest residents of the island, at the 
time of her decease, and was always known as one of 
the " excellent of the earth." Her patience in suffering, 
her prayerfulness in trouble, and her hope in God at all 
times, has left on the mind of all who knew Britania 
Parks, a bright illustration of the "beauty of holiness." 

John and Charles were zealous in the cause, and 
prominent in the church from the time of their conver- 
sion. They had both, previously, been accomplished 
fiddlers, as were several of their contemporaries on 
Smith's and Tangier Islands. It cost them a severe 
struggle to give up the sweet strains of their catgut, so 
strongly were they wedded to this source of pleasure. 

When, however, religion began to be the prevailing 
topic, and dancing was displaced by prayer meetings, no 
fellowship could be tolerated with " the unfruitful works 
of darkness." The fate of fiddles was sealed. 

Conscience had decreed the incompatibility of this 
unwitting agent in levity and frolicking, with the new life, 
and sternly demanded a severance of the affections from 
every idol, and an eye single to higher and holier pursuits. 

In the parley between inclination and the inward mon- 
itor, a sort of compromise was effected for the time being, 
and the role of music was entirely altered. Instead of 
the lively jig, or the popular reel, Brother Parks could 
almost make the strings intelligently, and with vibrating 
harmony sound the stanza : 

" Turn to the Lord and seek salvation ! 
Sound the praise of Jesus' name ! 



188 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

Glory, honor, and salvation ! 

Christ the Lord has come to reign !" 

His new programme of tunes embraced all the populai 
melodies of Methodism at that day. It was a marked, 
and most agreeable improvement, they said, to assemble 
in the evenings at some neighbor's house after the labors 
of the day were ended, and, instead of the senseless ex- 
ercises of a " hoe down" dance, have a violin accompani- 
ment to such strains and choruses as : 

" Come friends, will you go? 
Glory ! glory ! glory ! 
Oh ! come friends, will you go ? 

Glory ! glory ! glory ! 
Come all the world, come sinner thou : 
All things in Christ are ready now ! 
Ye need not one he left "behind ; 
For God hath hidden all mankind ! 
Glory! glory! glory!" 

This progressed very well for a while, but the question 
was raised, and warmly argued, as to whether a follower 
of Christ should use this instrument in any religious 
service, since it revived recollections which were " not 
joyous but grievous," and by association with sin, had 
become discreditable? This opinion prevailed, destruc- 
tion fell upon the fiddles ! and their inspiring strains 
subsided into silence there forever. 

At first the offending article was simply hung out of 
reach on the wall, then put out of sight in the family 
chest, for it was acknowledged that as long as the eye 
could rest on it, the elbow ached for exercise, and the 
fingers itched for a trill on the threads. Nor was the 
difficulty obviated even then. " Pluck it out, and cast it 



ANECDOTES OF JOHN PARKS. 189 

from thee," was the uncompromising demand, and Brother 
John, after a season of solemn prayer, threw his fiddle 
into the fire — bow, rosin, and recollection together ! His 
brother Charley's soon followed, and with these two at 
least there was an end of what Wesley in one of his hymns 
of the Cornwall watch-meetings calls : " Reveling and 
frantic mirth." 

With good Brother Bradshaw, the case was slightly 
different. He continued toying with his idol, the violin, 
after his conversion, against the advice of his brethren, 
and the upbraidings of the inward voice, until he was 
aroused to a sense of his danger by a dream. Starting 
one night from his restless bed, he seized the " unruly 
member," ran out to a fence corner, and with one fierce 
blow broke the instrument to shivers, and became at once 
happy in the consciousness of having "laid aside" this 
"weight," " and the sin which so easily beset" him, re- 
solving henceforth to " run with patience the race that 
was set before him ; looking unto Jesus." 

He has not reached the end of that "race" yet ; hav- 
ing now arrived at the age of 83, a sound, hearty man ; 
always at his place in the meeting house, to reach which, 
and return to his home, he has literally to "paddle his 
own canoe." 

The mother of John and Charles Parks, remained " in 
Egypt," some time after they started for the goodly land. 
They made her case a constant subject of prayer, but 
she remained — in the language of John, " very stubbid ! 
and hard set against the new religion." They succeeded 
in getting her across the sound to a camp meeting at the 



190 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

old ground, hallowed beyond all other places, as the 
scene of their "heavenly birth." 

She looked on apparently unmoved, while the work of 
conviction and conversion was going gloriously forward. 

"We prayed, and prayed," says John, "but there she 
stood with a frown on her face, looking at the mourners. 
Directly," he adds, "I obtained a little more faith. I 
1 hollered' across to her with all my might ; ' Oh, mother ! 
mother! "seek the Lord while he may be found." Seek 
him now /' With that the power of God struck her and 
away she went!" 

Not away, dear reader, as you might suppose, from 
the place of prayer and penitent crying; but "away" in 
the sense of coming to the ground all in a heap, a con- 
victed sinner! "Didn't we shout then," says her son, 
"when we saw her weeping and praying before the Lord 
at last?" This aged mother continued praying — went 
home seeking, and in a very short time, among her own 
children and neighbors, was made a partaker of peace in 
believing, and became an "Israelite indeed." 

About the same time Richard Bradshaw, after an in- 
tense struggle, lasting for weeks and months, entered 
into life. This fine old Patriarch was a pillar in the 
church, and left a large family of sons and daughters, 
following him on to the place 

"Where saints of all ages in harmony meet, 
Their Saviour and brethren transported to greet, 
While anthems of rapture unceasingly roll, 
And the smile of the Lord is the feast of the soul." 

Of these, we have Solomon Bradshaw, a resident of 
Annamessex, Haney, a valuable brother in the church 



ANECDOTES OF JOHN PARKS. 191 

on Smith's Island, Tyler, at the old homestead on Hol- 
land's Island, and Mrs. Capt. Wm. Price, and Mrs. 
Thomas, widow of the Rev. Joshua Thomas, living ; others 
have "crossed over," and shall have a feeble tribute in 
our memorials hereafter. 

* Brother John Parks was the companion of Brother 
Thomas in visits to camp, and quarterly meetings near 
and far, and being of a more unsophisticated nature 
even than his fellow laborer, was led into numerous ad- 
ventures of a somewhat humorous character. 

Rev. Brother Kemp, when on the circuit, took a never 
failing delight in his company, and has furnished a num- 
ber of anecdotes relating to the man, familiarly termed 
"Father Parks." 

He narrates: On a certain occasion Brothers Thomas 
and Parks were in company across the bay, attending to 
some business. A warm-hearted Virginia gentleman in- 
vited them up to his house to spend the night, and ac- 
company him on the morrow, which was Sabbath, to his 
usual place of worship. They gratefully accepted the 
invitation, and after a very pleasant night's rest, arose 
early on the following morning. Brother Parks, in 
dressing, could not find his shoes. A suspicion flashed 
across his mind that they had been stolen during the 
night, and this was strengthened by the fact that a 
"nigger boy" had softly entered the chamber, and 
" rummaged about there," after they had retired. 

"What shall I do, Brother Thomas?" said John. 
"Look about, Brother John," said the other, "it can't 
be possible that any one would steal such an old pair of 
shoes as yours, in this fine house." " They are gone, 



192 THE PARSON 01 THE ISLANDS. 

brother,'" said John despairingly. " Why." said Brother 
Thomas, "are there no shoes here? What are those : " 
(pointing to a pair neatly polished, and laying at the 
bedside.) "Oh, brother," said he, "I have examined 
them; they are not mine." Brother Thomas took a 
glance at the shoes, and saw they were all right. The 
only difference was, a complete transformation by the 
" blacking" process, which was so unusual to John that 
he was completely bewildered in their identity. • 

Like his friend and companion Brother Thomas, he 
was once left a widower with several small children. He 
was afflicted by their helplessness, and felt it to be his 
religious duty to provide for their young and tender 
years a mother's presence and care, in the place of the 
one removed from them by death. "But," said he, "I 
waited, and waited, and waited, until some of my friends 
should propose this change for the better. Not one of 
them said a word to me about it. And I waited and 
waited, until at last I concluded I would wait no longer, 
and went right off and was married." 

" How long did you wait, Brother Parks ?" said Mr. K. 

"Ah! brother," said he, "I waited for the matter of 
three weeks!" This might be regarded as but a short 
period — too short in the conventional usages of the world, 
but to him it was a weary age ; and the act which might 
be regarded as savoring of indifference to the memory 
of her, who had gone, in his view of it, was a monument 
to her worth, and the best appreciation he knew how to 
evince, of the sex in general, and her value in par- 
ticular. 

He set about building a vessel of the " Pungy" class, 



ANECDOTES OF JOHN PARKS. 193 

many years ago, but his funds were inadequate to supply 
the drain upon them, in the process of finishing his boat. 
He concluded to borrow some money, and went to Brother 

R. B for that purpose. There he met a neighbor 

on the same errand, and concluded within himself it was 
no use to ask, as he could not give security, and the 
other could. 

To his surprise, however, the "moneyed man," ascer- 
taining his business, volunteered to lend him the cash, 
in preference to his more wealthy neighbor, on the 
ground that he had no security, and would not be likely 
to meet with accommodation elsewhere, while the other, 
having u strong hackers" could obtain what he wanted 
almost anywhere. (Where could we find such men and 
principles now-a-days ?) 

Brother Parks was not entirely out of the difficulty 
yet. His bill of costs remained unsatisfied in part, and 
he succeeded in obtaining $50 from a sister E. He 
wanted more, and waited until this sister, who he knew 
had money, received a great blessing at a certain meet- 
ing. While she was fervently praising the Lord, he 
thought it the best time to put in his plea, and asked 
her for the loan of $50 more. " Yes, Brother John," 
said she, a yes, a hundred if you want it, bless the Lord !" 
John felt like praising too, his way had opened so fa- 
vorably, and lest the dear sister should change her 
mind, he went straight with her and received the money. 

The vessel was finished, and in due time the borrowed 
money was paid. Success followed his enterprise, and 
he made a good living by the use of his new craft. 

Being anxious to hear the result of the election in 

13 



194 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

1844, he and Capt. Jacob Barks sailed out together to 
Hooper's Straits, to hear the news from some homeward 
bound vessel. While there, they employed the time 
catching oysters. At length a vessel came steering in, 
and hailing her, they learned that Mr. Polk was elected 
by a large majority over Mr. Clay. "Ah! Brother," 
said he, "I cannot oyster any longer, Polk is elected, 
and the country is ruined ! come let us go home." It ap- 
pears from this that he lacked philosophy enough to be 
a politician. 

Pie was " taken in and done for" a few years ago by 
a rascally impostor who came to the island, and repre- 
sented himself as a missionary. With open heart and 
arms, Brother Parks received the fellow to his house, 
made appointments for him to preach and lecture, and 
rejoiced that God had given him the privilege before he 
died, of seeing a man connected with that work which 
he conceived to be the grandest and most glorious of all 
enterprises. He had often, under missionary sermons, 
and while reading his "Advocate," pictured to himself 
the privations of the men who have gone to " Greenland's 
icy mountains," or "India's coral strand," to tell the 
story of the Redeemer to those who never heard his 
name ; and now to have a Missionary under his own 
roof, was, he thought, the highest honor of his life. 

Alas for him ! he harbored a scamp, who was soon 
discovered, and had to beat an ignominious retreat from 
that neighborhood. 

While treating of " Uncle John," we may add a few 
more of the numerous anecdotes, which have caused the 



ANECDOTES OF JOHN PARKS. 195 

laugh to be always against him, when they came up for 
review. 

He had become addicted to the "popular vice" of 
using tobacco. The older Methodists paid great deference 
to the opinions and godly admonitions of their preachers. 
Brother Massey, a great many years ago, originated a 
movement looking to the total prohibition of drams, 
pipes, and tobacco. 

In the former he succeeded to a good degree in rais- 
ing the standard of temperance in the church through- 
out his District, and many a tippler " on the sly" was 
officially decapitated, or hopefully cured. 

In the tobacco department he was less successful ; but 
he " did what he could," in the way of preaching and 
ridicule, to break up the fraternity of smokers, snuffers, 
and those who chew. 

At a camp meeting on Deal's Island he had publicly, 
and with affectionate earnestness, exhorted his brethren 
to "go and sin no more." Brother Parks walked out 
in the woods to meditate on the crisis, for he was a lover 
of cavendish, and he loved his minister. He met Bro- 
ther James Lawson, " an old offender" at the pipe prac- 
tice, who had wandered away also, in his perplexity, and 
was. solacing himself with a private whiff. "Ah, bro- 
ther," said John, "here you are, and smoking yet, what 
will become of us?" "Don't know," said Captain L., 
unless we quit." 

"Agreed!" said Brother Parks; "let us bury here 
in the sand both pipe and tobacco." The bargain was, 
that as long as one held out the other would in like man- 
ner refrain. A grave was scooped in the clean sand, 



::...:.: := ••' rAA' Ae : Aer A? A- :e. a: 

very respectable wedge of " Virginia" on top. The 
grave was covered, and "here," said Brother Parts, 
(making a cross on top with his toe,) " here let them lie." 

•* Alien." ;::". BrAner La~ s:m :A. AA Arms ani 
r : Aers lAAer. Aej ~2,Aei AA :: :iii an I AsTenel 
:: :. sernim BefAe :: "is ^ehl :nr:ngh. :ne :: These 
r.re:nren A:ame nn::mf:niile. :hei h Ae:~. mi AaiA. 
rememberings reraliir mark A Ae eani. :::e a :ir- 
cni::ns ~3.11: in :-. :er:ein AeArm The cAer seer 
:: It in menial rerilex::~. as he ss: in a iisTin: ram 
:: the iinrre^aAm ani a:Ar preaAAz. riaA :. Ae 
line ::r Ae " : i r rine —AA he remem:ere : ?:: : i near :he 
ne_" ^-.'^ -ra~e. Ke ~:— ::: la.e ! As he came ::: 
sAm. mere ~as ms " ::mran;:n m msmess :n a„ : 

• 1- t_... "■ .a. i:. .ir: jt m — . 

• Ah! E: other, is that ymtf I can't stand it !" 

■ Neither can I," said the other; "hand here my 

A sh:r: time a:Ar Ae ami-Til ace: mTemem se: in. a 

z-. : : ".'- '■ Ae: - ma~ em: e:h ii : :;:e. ai ". I . :h . 

I .a nj mneasv. hr miAsimei Ansela :: a 

friend, saying, " If onr next preachers are ' down' on 

- ' ::. -A : : :1" we AA "Le: as ~ai: ani *ee." 

A rerlj. The- —lAI. ani s::n Ae ne~ preacher 

hi: • riran:e a: Their am :inrmen:. In At" 
: iae ~h: A Br : Ae: I ark emeniei. he heli :n t; his 
hand until he thought he discerned a faint streak about 
the corner of his mouth. " All right," thought he. 
But the "old preacher." How stands the case 



ANECDOTES OE JOHN PARKS. 197 

him? Two weeks later, he came along, and preached; 
after the benediction had been pronounced, and the peo- 
ple retired, a few of the " old heads" gathered round 
the new incumbent, and engaged in conversation. Bro- 
ther Parks began to fear he had a foe to tobacco in the 
person of his pastor; when, to his inexpressible delight, 
the preacher nudged him on the elbow, and, in an under- 
tone, asked, "Do you chew?" "Yes, brother," said 
he, hastily feeling for his piece. " Give me a crumb," 
said the preacher; "I like a taste after preaching on 
warm afternoons." "Here, brother," said John, "here, 
take all I've got!" 

Brother Parks, despite these eccentricities, has en- 
joyed the confidence of both the Church and "the 
world" through a long life, and is now the oldest ex- 
horter on our circuit record, having been licensed nearly 
50 years ago. 

He lived on the larger Deal's Island many years, and 
held meetings in connection with Brother Thomas in his 
own house, before a church was erected there. We are 
informed that these meetings were crowned often with 
extraordinary power and grace; and, among many others 
converted there, were some of the children of the zeal- 
ous men who thus were "instant in and out of season" 
to do good. 

He subsequently bought a farm on the edge of the 
Wycomico river — a beautiful situation — and there, while 
these lines are being written, "In age and feebleness 
extreme," he is awaiting the summons that shall soon 
remove him to a better inheritance. 

Some years ago his health was impaired, and his life 



198 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

thought to be in jeopardy. The late Dr. Handy of 
Princess Anne, by skillful treatment, brought him 
through the crisis. About the same time he became in- 
volved in litigation, which threatened to overthrow his 
title to the property he held. Lawyer Waters (Wm. S. 
Waters, Esq., now of Baltimore) generously undertook 
the case, and gained the suit for his old Methodist friend. 
These circumstances altered his opinion of lawyers and 
doctors considerably. He had, in his simplicity, sup- 
posed that both professions were under the "wo" of his 
Bible, and looked upon them as a reprobated class of 
men. In his prayers subsequently, he remembered the 
estimable doctor who had saved his life, and the able 
lawyer who had saved his property, invoking upon them 
his blessing and the favor of God. 

It has been the privilege of the writer, as his pastor, 
to visit him frequently since he was stricken with para- 
lysis some months ago. From this attack it is hardly 
probable that he will recover, but his sky is clear, his 
mind is "calm as summer evenings be," and his hope is 
full of immortality and eternal life. He greatly enjoys 
a visit from "his beloved ministers;" and, though at 
other times wandering and dull in his faculties, rouses 
up when they are announced, and invariably becomes 
happy as they kneel by his side, and commend him to 
God, and sing, as was the case on our last visit, while 
his soul seemed on the wing for glory: 

" Friends fondly cherished have passed on before ; 
"Waiting, they watch me approaching the shore ; 
Singing, to cheer, rne through death's chilling gloom, 
Joyfully, joyfully will I go home!" 



TIIOMAS BARBON. 199 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Thomas Barbon, a Portuguese — Educated for a priest — Runs away and be- 
comes a sailor — The battle of Trafalgar — Deserts the ship and swims 
ashore — Imprisoned in Spain — Arrives in America — Settles in Somerset — 
Attends the Tangier camp meeting — " Catches a crab" — Is converted — 
Temperance movement — Resolutions — Charles Barbon — Parson Wilmer 
on rum — Liquor casks emptied — Pigs and poultry drunk— Last days of 
Brother Barbon — Reflections— Experience meetings at Tangier — Con- 
trasts. 

The Tangier camp meeting was sometimes the means of 
conversions of more than ordinary interest. One very 
remarkable case was that of Thomas Barbon, a Portu- 
guese, in the year 1818. 

His previous life was of a very eventful character. 
" Stranger than fiction," had been his career from early 
youth to manhood. At the suggestion of many who 
knew him, we have gathered a few facts and incidents 
which may not be deemed inappropriate here. 

He was born in 1772, in a village on the river Dora, 
about 30 miles from the coast of Portugal; and became, 
at a very early age, attached to a Roman Catholic es- 
tablishment, for the education of youth, and a church 
where the rites of worship peculiar to that denomination 
were performed. He was designed for the priestly office, 



200 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

but took a decided dislike to tlie men in whose charge 
he was placed, and the mockeries of their manner of 
worship. The character and morals of his spiritual ad- 
visers were so bad that he became disgusted, and resolved 
to run away rather than remain among them. 

At the age of thirteen he fled, and determined to fol- 
low the fortunes of the sea. He shipped at an adjacent 
port in the relation of cabin boy, and for ever became 
separated from the associations of his youth. 

He made sundry voyages to distant places on the 
coasts of continental Europe, and graduated to the po- 
sition of a regular hand before the mast. 

In the changes incidental to his mode of life, he found 
himself in some place under control of the English gov- 
ernment, and was seized by a press gang, and placed on 
board a line of battle ship, in the fleet commanded by 
Lord Nelson. 

His hardship and maltreatment following this change, 
were revolting and almost incredible. The ship on which 
he served was ordered into line at the memorable battle 
of Trafalgar, and was stationed quite near that proud 
vessel which bore on her deck the intrepid Nelson, and 
at her peak, his broad pennant. 

Mr. Barbon remembered as long as he lived the details 
of that renowned engagement ; and to the preachers, 
who were ever welcome at his fireside, he could recount 
all the manoeuvres of both the contending fleets. He 
saw the watchword signal run up in a ball of bunting to 
the mast head of the Admiral's ship, and unfold its ap- 
peal to the honor and bravery of British tars, — " Eng- 
land expects every man to do Ms duty!" The ship on 



THOMAS BAEBON. 201 

which he was compelled to do duty, was, at one juncture 
of the action, ordered round to a certain position, with 
a view to pour a volley of " hot shot" into one of the 
most magnificent of the French frigates. The order 
was promptly executed, and thirty-two pounders, heated 
until flaming red, were hurled into the magazine of the 
doomed foe, and with an earthquake concussion, she ex- 
ploded, and was blown to fragments over the surround- 
ing waters. The ship and her contents were burst to 
atoms. Some of the fragments fell on the deck where 
he stood, and hundreds of the crew of this wrecked ves- 
sel sunk before his eyes in the briny deep. 

So intolerable had become the suffering he endured, 
that he deserted his ship soon after the great battle of 
Trafalgar, and in the darkness of the night, swam 
ashore, a distance of three miles. In this he made a 
very narrow escape from drowning, but life was such a 
burden, that he preferred anything to a longer contin- 
uance on board. 

Following the pursuit he had chosen, he next shipped 
on board an American vessel, somewhere up the Medi- 
terranean, and was captured by his old enemy, while in 
the Straits of Gibraltar. The English cruisers had just 
begun to exercise their assumed right of search, which 
eventually led to the war with this country. As a de- 
serter he was taken, and placed again on board a British 
ship, but disowning allegiance to her flag, and insisting on 
the protection of that under which he was found, he was 
taken to Spain, and endured the horrible sufferings which 
were inflicted on unfortunate prisoners of war, in the no- 
torious dungeons of that country. His statement of the 



202 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

hunger, wretchedness, and abuse received while there, 
almost beggars description. 

After a time he was released, in company with some 
of his fellow prisoners. He then shipped for New York, 
and shortly afterwards made his way to Baltimore, where 
he was married in 1806. After following the sea a 
short time, he came to the Eastern Shore, and settled in 
Somerset County, near White Haven, where he spent 
the balance of his days, a highly respected citizen. 

In the summer of 1818, as we have stated, by a sin- 
gular train of circumstances, he was at Tangiers. 

Through all the years of his youth, and up to that 
time, he had felt no particular attachment to any form 
of religion. He was skeptically inclined, and indifferent 
to the subject of his salvation. He merely took shelter, 
when in contact with professors, under the wing of 
Popery, and avowed himself as of that persuasion, 
though he despised its empty forms, remembering the ex- 
periences of his early days. 

The Tangier camp meeting, as we have elsewhere 
shown, usually attracted all classes of people, and about 
that time excursions were frequent to the beach from 
various points along the Rivers and Bay. Companies 
of men would charter a vessel, provide themselves with 
fishing apparatus, and take an excursion for pleasure 
and health, timing their trip to the week of the camp. 

A party of whom Capt. Alexander Jones was the ac- 
acknowledged head, and including Mr. Barbon, set sail 
from White Haven, on a fishing trip to the beach. When 
their vessel arrived, the harbor was crowded, and the 
meeting under full headway. It was a novel sight to 



THOMAS BARBON. 203 

Mr. B., but he seemed to be opposed to religion, and en- 
tirely bent on the 'species of sport, for which he had left 
home. 

One Sabbath morning, his companions prepared to go 
ashore to attend the preaching, and invited him to go 
with them. This he refused at first to do, preferring, as 
he said, to spend the Sabbath " crabbing," — that is 
catching crabs along the shore. Captain Jones, who 
was a friend to religion, and associated with the Episco- 
pal church, insisted on Mr. Barbon's going up to hear a 
sermon. "No, Captain Sandy," said he, "I does not 
believes in dissort of 'ligion, let me stay and catch crabs." 
" Oh come," said the captain, "a particular friend of 
mine, Dr. Waters, is going to preach, and I want you to 
hear the sermon for my sake." Thus prevailed upon, he 
came up to the camp, and took his place in the congre- 
gation. The minister referred to, (Dr. Francis Waters of 
Potato Neck, an associate of Lawrenson, and a very 
talented young man at that time ; now, and for a great 
many years back, President of the Chestertown college,) 
delivered a pointed and powerful sermon. The word 
reached the heart of the Portuguese sailor, and awakened 
him to see himself a lost sinner, and to cry, " Men and 
brethren, what shall I do to be saved?" He was taken 
in hand by good Brother Thomas and his fellow laborers 
around the altar, and after a tremendous struggle with 
doubts, prejudices, and self-condemnation, he obtained a 
"knowledge of salvation by the remission of his sins," 
and was made a partaker of that peace and joy, which 
enabled him to cry out, "0 Lord, I will praise thee ; for 



204 THE PARSON 01 THE ISLANDS. 

though thou wast angry with me. thine anger is turned 
away, and behold now thou comfortedst me /" 

In his experience afterwards, he loved to refer to that 
glorious Sabbath on Tangier beach, where "love divine 
first found him," conquered his rebel heart, and revealed 
to him the way of life. 

" I wanted to catch some crabs," he would say, " and 
didn't I catch one mighty big crab, when I felt my sins 
all pardoned, and found a new heart, by the blessed 
Spirit which came on me as I prayed and cried to the 
Lord for mercy !" 

He returned to his home a new man. and began at 
once to " bring forth fruit unto holiness." He set up an 
<: altar unto the Lord" in his family, and invariably 
afterwards acknowledged Him in all his ways. His wife 
was a woman of calm temperament, amiable disposition, 
and, though not a member of the church, was devout 
and holy in life and conversation. 

He was afterwards appointed an official member of 
the church, and was punctual in the performance of all 
his duties. His house became a pleasant home for the 
itinerant preachers, and his place was hardly ever vacant 
at his own church, or at the quarterly meetings of the 
circuit. In company with Louis Phoebus of precious 
memory, he went to all the camp meetings within reach, 
and on every suitable occasion gave testimony in favor 
of the religion of Jesus Christ, of which he could say : 
" Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths 
are peace." 

He kept a country store, and as was customary in 
those days, among the commodities of every such place 



THOMAS BARBON. 205 

of business, he usually laid in a supply of spirituous 
liquors. This article was regarded as a necessity almost 
everywhere, in former times ; but in this respect who will 
say : " The former times were better than these ?" 

He attributed the first movements of- the great tempe- 
rance reformation, to a species of unwarranted zeal, and 
fanatical folly. When in 1831, the following resolutions 
were adopted, he began to feel some trouble of mind in 
relation to the traffic and sale of ardent spirits, and 
fairly met the question, " Is it right ?" The resolutions, 
which we here introduce, are spread on the old journal 
of that year, and are no less forcible, important, and 
necessary, in these days, than at any former period : 

" We, the members of the Quarterly Meeting Con- 
ference of Annamessex Circuit, being sensible of the great 
evils which result from the manufacture, sale, and use 
of ardent spirits, do hereby Resolve : 

1. That we will not drink spirituous liquor ourselves, 
nor give it to our families, or laborers, except we are 
convinced it is absolutely necessary as a medicine. 

2. That we will neither make nor sell it ; for we con- 
sider that we should thereby encourage, and profit by 
the use and abuse of it by others. 

3. That we will, by every fair and honorable means, 
discourage treating, in order to secure an election. 

4. That we will deal with those merchants who will 
not sell it, in preference to others. 

5. That our preachers be requested to give a copy of 
these resolutions to each class leader, desiring him to 
use his influence to obtain the signatures of his members 
and neighbors thereto." 



206 THE PAHSOX 01 TITE ISLANDS. 

The members present at this Quarterly Conference were 
Win. C. Allen and James A. Massey, Circuit Preachers ; 
Edward Larkins, Isaac R. Willet, Thomas Summers, 
Purnell Posey, and Stephen Taylor, Local Preachers ; 
Lazarus Maddux, Xathan D. Dougherty, William Dix, 
Lewis Phoebus, James Tyler, Daniel Ford, and William 
Miles, Exhorters ; John Fontaine, David Lankford, 
Mitchell Phoebus, Ephraim Reese, John Stephenson, 
and some ten or fifteen others, as Class leaders and Stew- 
ards. 

Brother Barbon was not at this time a member of the 
Conference, but the action of those brethren whom he 
loved, had to be respected, and the manner in which he 
" cleared out" his stock of the vile stuff is worthy of 
record. 

He had a son, Charles Barbon, a promising and very 
amiable young man, who had professed religion at a 
camp meeting at Curtis' Chapel in 1827, and took at 
once a high and holy stand on the Lord's side." Charles 
attended the store in the absence of his father, and be- 
fore the day of the resolutions, had taken a conscientious 
dislike to the traffic. He had been to Salisbury and 
heard an address by one of the earliest advocates of tem- 
perance there — Brother David Yance — and resolved to 
measure out no more. His father was not satisfied with 
such scruples, and became somewhat irritated when his 
son stoutly persisted in his course. A wretched, intem- 
perate husband about this time, who resided across the 
river, killed his wife in a fit of drunkenness ; and to add 
to the sum of evidence accumulating against his liquor 
business, the Rev. u Parson" Wilmer, of the Protes- 



THOMAS BARBON. 207 

tant Episcopal Church, commenced a lecturing crusade 
to help on the temperance cause. He delivered one of 
his most pointed and convincing appeals, at the Hungary- 
Neck Methodist Meeting House, to a large congrega- 
tion. 

Brother Barbon was out, and heard the speech. The 
arguments he had used to justify his course were torn 
to fragments, and in the vivid view of that untold evil, 
demoralization, poverty, and woe, which rum engenders 
on society, he hastened home, deliberately rolled out his 
barrels into the yard, procured an axe, and dashed in 
the heads of every cask containing .spirits, wine, or cider, 
— letting the liquid poison flow over the ground. His 
good wife stood in the door, and thought he had become 
demented ; but no, he said he "had just come to reason." 

The pigs came along and began to investigate the pud- 
dles caused by this strange proceeding, and soon became 
"half seas over." His turkeys and chickens had a 
peck or two at the liquid, and they were directly a drunk 
as a fool." The geese next had a dram, and all became 
tipsy, so that his liquor business ended in a general 
" drunk," and his premises have been clear of even the 
smell of it ever since. He " went in" heart and soul 
for the resolutions, and was appointed leader of the 
society soon after, which relation he held until age and 
debility obtained for him release, in the appointment of 
another. 

His son Charles, it was expected, would have been one. 
of the brightest ornaments of the church, had he lived ; 
but death removed him early to his expected mansion in 
the sky. 



208 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

With Brother Thomas Barbon, the writer enjoyed 
very intimate friendship, when on the circuit in 1850. 
His narratives of other days, and foreign lands, pos- 
sessed for the young preacher, himself an adventurer in 
the past, a romantic interest, and would make, could 
they have been written, a volume of thrilling incidents. 

He has recently died at the advanced age of 86, full 
of faith, and blessed with the undimmed prospect, after 
all his privations and wanderings, of a " House not made 
with hands, eternal in the heavens." 

Erom the contemplation of his dying hours, and that 
rest which he has gained among the glorified in the pre- 
sence of his Lord, we cannot but turn our eye away 
back to the Tangier beach, the awakening sermon, the 
penitent cry, and the wondrous change that took place 
that day in 1818 ; — altering, as it did, the whole course 
of this man's aims and hopes, and quickening in him 
that principle of true piety that shone in all his actions, 
and made him a valued citizen, a useful Christian, and an 
heir of immortality. His was but one of unnumbered 
instances, in which the thoughtless mind has been im- 
pressed under similar circumstances, and the wandering 
waif of fortune, ungodly and afar off, has been brought 
nigh by the blood of Christ, and made a child of the 
covenant, a fellow heir of the promises, and a member 
of that family, which "in heaven and earth are one;" a 
trophy of grace, and an evidence of the utility of camp 
meetings. 

Well might the "Parson of the Islands" stand up 
for his favorite means of grace, and plead for the con- 
tinuance of such meetings, when views adverse to their 



THOMAS BARBON. 209 

propriety, expediency, or necessity, began to steal into 
the minds of order-loving people, or ease-loving preachers. 
" If the Devil has learned the way to our camp meet- 
ings," he would argue, "let us raise the standard of 
Immanuel in his face, and shout the war cry of our 
Captain, as we assail his forces ; then as the hymn 
says : 

" Great spoils we shall win, 
From death, hell, and sin, 
And 'midst outward afflictions shall feel Christ within." 

One of the most thrilling features of the meeting at 
Tangiers, was the experience meetings that were held as 
a part of the exercises of every camp. During the 
speaking and singing, on one of these occasions, few 
stragglers could be found outside the tents, or along the 
shore. Everybody was drawn to that centre of light 
and power, where God's people " spake often to one 
another." 

Old veterans told the tireless story of their triumphs 
through grace ; young disciples, in glowing words, pro- 
claimed what God had done for their souls. Ministers 
of the gospel related the strange way in which the 
Divine hand had led them, the conflicts and cares pe- 
culiar to their holy calling, and the love which constrained 
them to tell His name, who died on the cross, and lives 
to save sinners. Women, ripe in the graces of the Holy 
Ghost, and fluent when religion became the theme, would 
also pour out their tears of joy, while they faced the 
listening throng, and commend their Lord to others ! 

" If all the world my Saviour knew, 

All the world would love him too." 
14 



210 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

The most effective preaching was on the occasion of 
the love feasts and experience meetings. Then, words 
were uttered that were as fire in dry stubble. Skeptics 
stood trembling like Belshazzar when he saw the hand- 
writing on the wall ; no sophistry could invalidate the 
force and genuineness of a faith that made the feeble 
mighty, the weak strong, and the convert of yesterday 

" Bold to take up, firm to maintain, 
The consecrated cross." 

The interchange of feeling and experience, by persons 
so widely separated in their residence and pursuits, gave 
to these hours of holy intercourse, an increasing and 
absorbing interest. A Christian from the far south 
would speak of his conversion, telling when and where 
it occurred. Then would follow an experience by some 
one from the mountains of Pennsylvania, the City of 
Baltimore, the fervent soil of Accomac, or the Islander 
at home amid the very scenes of his spiritual birth, say- 
ing, "Whereas I was once blind, now I see," and, re- 
ferring to the goodness and love of the God-man, pro- 
claim, "He liatlx opened mine eyes." 

In these exercises Father Thomas took the greatest 
possible delight. His own simple and ever interesting 
story, of the past and present in his life, and the kindling 
hopes which filled his expanding soul, when the fire 
burned around him, was related ; and his usual shout, or, 
indeed, several spells of shouting, attested the measure 
of his religious joy. 

Among those who frequently revisited the memorable 
place where they first tasted the pardoning love of God, 
was Mr. Barbon, and in these experience meetings, 



THOMAS BARBON. 211 

added greatly to the general interest, by narrating the 
change wrought in his heart and hopes, and his prospect 
of a better world — encouraging both ministers and mem- 
bers, in the great work of preaching and prayer. 

How often is it the case, in the crowded and excited 
congregation, that a stranger is passed by, or a poor 
anxious soul, newly awakened to seek religion, neglected, 
even after they approach the "mourners' " place, craving 
instruction, sympathy, and prayer ; while the laborers, 
intent on some particular object of their regard — perhaps 
an acquaintance or relative — seem only concerned that 
they receive attention ! 

One of the best evidences of true Christian faith and 
love, is that principle within, that prompts a man or 
woman to kneel by the side of the stricken one, whoever 
or whatever that one may be, to pour into the ear of the 
"weary and heavy laden," tidings of Him who said, 
" Come unto me." The freezing formality that some- 
times may be found right near the altar, and the miser- 
able pride, that is detected in partialities and prejudices, 
among those who profess a religion that discards or 
abandons none in the hour of grief and tears, is a false 
feeling, unworthy a sincere Christian anywhere. 

Well meaning persons, without considering the effect 
of what they do, will ask, " Who is she?" or " What and 
whence is heV and with the spirit of a Pharisee, will 
stand off, disdaining contact with some, who, in this way, 
"come unto" Christ, and appeal to all around by their 
cries, " Pray for me — tell me the way to Jesus ; help me 
to break the shackles of vice and sin, that gall, while 
they bind me!" 



-12 THE PABSOfi OF THE BBLAHBS. 

It may ': ind to some extent is true, that individuals 
who are actuated by impulse alone, are found in the 
throng at our camp meetings ; and that low characters 
under the stinging consciousness of sin and shame, will 
fall lown in the dust, smiting on their breast and saying, 
4 * God be merciful to me a sinner." They give but little 
ground of hope to the pious, that they mean to forsake 
their ways, or that they will persevere in learning to do 
well. It is whispered of this one — "She has jj 
several times before;" and that one, — "He is not suffi- 
ciently in earnest to 'flee the wrath to come,' and be 
e :."ri from his sins ;" yet what are we to do in such per- 
plexing cases . Let us suppose what the gentle Jesus 
would do ! Let us think of what he did, and said, and 
suffered, until our souls become imbued with that pity 
which yearns over the fallen, that love which follows with 
' seeching^ the lost, and that constant remembrance of 
the " rock whence we were hewn, and the hole of the pit 
whence we have been digged," that will hide pride from 
-. d I move us to take poor outcasts as we find them, 

I by all the appliances at our co mm and, aid them, in 
even the semblance of an effort, to " break off their sins 
by righteousness, and their iniquities by turning to the 
Lord. What if we are often mortified, and disap- 
pointed, and imposed upon ? Blessed be God ! we u : 
a, on the other hand, constrained to believe thai Li- 
is better to us than all our fears: and that through :"_r 
wonders of his grace, in its workings on the unresener- 
ate and vicious, transitions occur, which reward most 
'y all the toil expended in aiding them to put their 
trust in C n ittest, beyond peradventure, the abil- 



THOMAS BARBON. 213 

ity and willingness of Christ " fr> save to the uttermost." 
The reflections into which we have been almost imper- 
ceptibly drawn, in this connection, are based on the re- 
collection of conversations we have had with Brother 
Thomas, on the subject of indiscriminate . efforts, after 
the evening sermon on a camp ground. "Brother," he 
would say, " you cannot determine who is true, and who 
is insincere. One of those outcasts in human estimation, 
when raised up out of degradation, by the noble and dis- 
interested sympathy of Christianity, may become one of 
the brightest ornaments of society, and a precious jewel 
of the Lord." 

He had stored in his memory hundreds of remarkable 
conversions, and could draw an example or illustration 
of every variety of case, from this depository, showing 
aptly and conclusively the importance of observing that 
command, "Despise not the day of small things." 

He would frequently linger at the place of prayer 
long after others seemed weary, and alone with some 
troubled spirit, would employ all the ingenuity he pos- 
sessed to simplify saving faith, or ascertain the causes 
of doubt and difficulty, where mourners did not speedily 
apprehend the plan, and realize the comfort of salvation. 

When camp meetings in this region of country are 
broken up, discontinued, and only remembered as scenes 
of the past, and the causes of their cessation traced 
out, it will be discovered that this extraordinary means 
of grace has failed from one chief cause ; and that is, 
not the multiplicity of churches, the altered taste and 
inclination of the people, the presence of time-serving 
politicians, or the disorders occasioned by the unruly 



214 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

and lawless ; but the indolence of professing Christians, 
who, though they love to tent on the ground, and liber- 
ally sustain the hospitality, and other temporal arrange- 
ments of the occasion, do not love the prayer meetings. 

Brother Thomas was severe on those Christians who 
attend a camp to eat and drink, promenade and talk, 
and give, as many in modern times do, the altar and its 
exercises a wide berth; leaving the important prayer 
meetings to their weary preachers, unsupported, except 
by a few young or inexperienced persons, with an idle, 
gaping crowd of unbelievers ranged around them, to 
gratify their callous and morbid craving for what is 
strange or novel, in the sight of persons weeping for sin, 
wrestling in prayer, or rejoicing in new found hope. 

In the palmy days of Tangiers, there was compara- 
tively little to complain of in this regard. Christians 
who assembled there, far from their homes, their busi- 
ness, and ordinary associations, gave themselves to the 
work, and were watered with copious showers, while they 
came up to " the help of the Lord, to the help of the 
Lord against the mighty." 

There is not a circuit on the lower Peninsula, — hardly 
a society, — that has not gathered fruit from Tangier 
Island, in soundly converted souls, who like Mr. Barbon, 
lived and died in the faith of Christ, and in communion 
with the church. 

"We have yet many incidents to recount of the seasons 
of grace witnessed there, and in a future chapter may 
attempt something like a verbatim report of one of its 
characteristic experience meetings, but at a later day 
than the period of which, as yet, we write. 



REMOVAL TO DEAL'S ISLAND. 215 



CHAPTER XV. 

Removal to little Deal's Island — Rev. David "Wallace — Marriages — Prayer 
meetings at his house — Jacob Webster — Camp meeting at Todd's chapel 
— Praying in the rain — " Keep the fire burning" — Death and funeral of 
David Wallace — Parson Thomas' labors — Success in fishing — Trades to 
Choptauk — Ebenezer — "It comes to me, I must first shout" — Conversion 
of an offended hearer — Singularity — Shouting, a means of grace — Shouts 
while making his child's coffin — Early dead, early saved — Children in 
heaven — Rev. Wm. Spry. 

About the year 1825, we find Brother Thomas settled 
in a new locality, surrounded by a large family, and with 
a much wider sphere of usefulness and duty opening be- 
fore him. He had been ordained a Deacon in the church, 
and in this relation became at once the worthy successor 
of a local minister named David Wallace of Deal's Island, 
who had for many years been a prominent and useful 
laborer in the church. No man of his day possessed a 
stronger attachment to the doctrines, usages, and duties 
of Methodism than he. As one of the earliest converts 
enrolled under its banners in Somerset County he aided 
in building up the wasted places of Zion, and making 
this moral wilderness to rejoice and blossom as the rose. 
He was contemporary with the first band of Itinerant 
preachers who published the message of a free salvation 



216 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

on the Peninsula, and was highly esteemed by such men 
as T. Ware,- W. Colbert, Nathan Swain, Thomas Smith, 
and Dr. Chandler. As a preacher, he was somewhat 
boisterous, and irresistibly earnest, with a voice like a 
pealing trumpet, and an unquenchable ardor. In the 
great revival which commenced in 1800, he did good 
service for God, and was an honored instrument in lead- 
ing many souls to the "fountain opened for sin," as the 
wave of salvation circled wider, in its onward and glorious 
progress. 

His own awakening and conversion was thorough, and 
the fruits he brought forth in all his after years, attested 
the genuineness of that work which had translated him 
out of bondage to sin, and made him " a bright and 
shining light." 

We have incidentally introduced his name, in con- 
nection with revival scenes on the Islands. When he 
became fully aroused in exhortation, we are told, you 
could have heard his voice a mile distant, warning sinners, 
and dwelling on the hopes and heritage of the children 
of God. He was the first local preacher in that country 
who was made a Deacon, which office he magnified, in 
the multitudes he had the happiness to unite in the bonds 
of matrimony. His certificates on file, at the time of 
his decease, were, it is stated, over a bushel ! Most of 
these marriages were solemnized at his own house on 
Deal's Island, which stood on the spot now occupied by 
the modern and elegant residence of Captain Wm. Price, 
the Custom house officer for that port. The old dwell- 
ing was the first place opened for religious worship on 
the island. The memory of prayer meetings held there, 



REMOVAL TO DEAL'S ISLAND. 21T 

will be transmitted from generation to generation among 
the families of that locality. Persons are yet living who 
were present on a certain evening when, under the 
pressure of a " general shout," the sleepers gave way, 
and the crowd fell through the floor ! 

This faithful man of God led many a poor wanderer 
to Jesus. He attended camp meetings far and near, and 
labored for the salvation of the souls of men with untir- 
ing energy, and with great success. He would go round 
among his unconverted neighbors, and invite them to 
accompany him to some distant meeting where he hoped 
they would seek the Lord, and obtain saving grace. He 
generally provided a way for such to go, and attended to # 
all their wants while in his company, as well as those of 
their families in their absence. 

Brother Jacob Webster, one of the oldest members of 
the church on Deal's Island at the present time, was con- 
verted through the instrumentality of his long and highly 
esteemed friend Wallace. When a young man he at- 
tended the great camp meeting at Pungoteague, where 
the riot occurred, and at the time the managers, for ar- 
resting the wrong person, were indicted and heavily 
fined. He was on guard in the midst of all the excite- 
ment, and heard a Brother Chambers from Baltimore 
preach on the outskirts of the ground after he had been 
wounded in the face by a blow from one of the infuriated 
mob. The text was " Turn ye to the stronghold, ye 
prisoners of hope." 

He returned from this meeting under deep conviction, 
and Brother Wallace proposed to him to join a company 
who intended visiting a camp meeting at Todd's Chapel 



218 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

A 

in Dorchester Co. the same fall, (1807.) He excused 
himself from going, by saying he had a sore foot. 
" Then," said Wallace, " let me carry you on my back to 
the vessel." He yielded, and joined the company. When 
they came to anchor near the camp ground, it was 
foggy and raining hard. In the discouragement of the 
moment, "Uncle Davy" ordered all hands on deck for 
prayer. " Come up," said he, " all you who want to get 
to heaven, and help me to pray." He bared his head in 
the pelting rain, and asked God to give them a clear 
sky and a glorious meeting. His voice rolled out over 
the waters, upward to heaven, and onward to the en- 
campment, where it reached the quick ear of Dr. 
Chandler, who was preparing to commence the exercises. 
The fog dispersed, the rain ceased, and when that 
long and strong prayer ended, the answer had already 
come. Looking toward the shore, they saw wagons 
awaiting them, and were hailed by Dr. C. who had 
hurried down to meet and welcome his Deal's Island 
brethren to camp. " Come on, Brother Wallace," said 
he, " I heard you praying, and am glad the fire is burn- 
ing in your soul ; come ashore and let us expect the 
Lord of hosts to be with us." 

Brother Webster, at that meeting, was made happy in 
a Saviour's love, and says, when he felt the blessed 
change and arose from the bench, the first man he saw 
was Brother Wallace. He caught him in his arms, and 
though he was an immensely large man, he lifted him 
clear off the ground ! 

This Boanerges of the Church remained faithful until 
death, and has gone to receive a many starred crown 



REMOVAL TO DEAL'S ISLAND. 219 

from the hand of his ascended Lord. He greatly 
strengthened and encouraged Brother Thomas, in the 
early periods of his ministry, and enjoyed the confidence 
of all who knew him, as a sincere, deeply pious, and very 
useful man and minister. 

His funeral was attended by Rev. Wm. Prettyman, 
then a youth, who preached on the occasion from 
" Blessed are the dead, who die in the Lord, &c." 

His mantle rested on Father Thomas, who now took 
his place, having become a resident of the adjoining, or 
little Deal's Island, where he spent the balance of his 
days. 

Brother Thomas now began to extend his labors and 
visits far into the interior of the country. He navigated 
the winding rivers, and was present at every quarterly 
or camp meeting, within a wide circle. He became 
known as the "shouting preacher;" and, wherever he 
made a visit, the first families of the neighborhood vied 
with each other, as to who should have him for their 
guest. His sprightly conversation, excellent anecdotes, 
and, above all, the hold he took on the hearts of young 
and old, while officiating at the family altar, made him 
a renowned man, and endeared him to all with whom he 
came in contact. 

So heavily did these frequent visits to distant places 
tax his time, that some of his acquaintances prudently 
intimated he had better be at home providing for his 
family, lest they come to want through his devotion to 
the Church. "No indeed," he would reply, "my Lord 
will see to that. He will take care of me according to 



-20 THE PABSOJJ 0* THE ISLANDS. 

the promise. while I am endeavoring to serve him and do 
good to the people." 

The Lord did mercifully, and sometimes almost mirac- 
ulously, stand his friend. His granary caught fire, 
and with it was consumed his little store of provision; 
but he meets with a floating cargo of flour in the bay, 
and returns to his empty larder vrith abundance. His 
calculating and worldly-minded neighbors had often to 
return from the fishing-grounds with scanty supplies, but 
he was invariably successful. People in various places, 
to whom he ministered in holy things, ministered to him 
in temporal things, and he could often say. "My cup 
runneth over." 

As acknowledged " Parson of the Islands," he per- 
formed nearly all the marriages that took place. The 
proceeds from this source formed a respectable addition 
to his means. ZSo man could u do up" a wedding cere- 
mony better than he. 

If the call was to a distant "Xeck" or ''•Island." he 
was prompt and punctual. His simple and affectionate 
prayer for, and advice to, the newly married pair, was 
always appropriate: and the festivities of the occasion 
were generally more pleasant when he remained to min- 
gle with the company. 

He had not yet obtained the celebrated canoe " Meth- 
odist," but owned a little trading craft in which he made 
trips to the Choptauk. and other places, with the pro- 
ductions of the island and bay, receiving, in exchange, 
commodities that were needed in his family or in demand 
amoDg his neighbors. 

Whatever bargain he made he always save a e> : . 1 



REMOVAL TO DEAL'S ISLAND. 221 

prayer " to boot," and faithfully dealt with the souls of 
persons in whose company he might be placed, or with 
whom he transacted his business. 

His cargo, at a certain place, consisted of clams. The 
villagers did not seem to appreciate this luxury, and he 
lay at the wharf all day without a customer. 

When school was dismissed towards evening, the boys 
took a turn in that direction to investigate the new ar- 
rival. He determined, if the people would not purchase 
his clams, to give them away, and calling the school boys 
on board he filled their caps and pockets. 

They reported this fact at their homes, and soon the 
citizens came hurrying down with baskets and bags, and 
bought out his load at very remunerative prices. 

At another time he had potatoes, fish, &c, to barter 
for corn, meat, and such articles as were lacking at 
home. The people were absorbed with other matters, 
and paid no attention to the stranger. He heard of a 
prayer-meeting in the neighborhood, and leaving his boy 
in charge of the vessel, he attended it, and soon made 
himself known, as a remarkable person, by his exercises. 
" Who is he ?" was the general inquiry. When this 
question was settled, he had no more difficulty at that 
place, but was always welcome and successful. 

He was in the habit of relating these incidents with 
some religious end in view, at camp meetings; and could 
verify the truth in himself, that " the righteous shall not 
be forsaken," and, "all things work together for good to 
them that love God." 

The place we have named as "Todd's Chapel," was 
subsequently called "Ebenezer," and has been a famous 



222 THE PARSON OP THE ISLANDS. 

camp meeting locality for a great many years. It was 
formerly included in Cambridge Circuit, but, of late 
years, is one of the appointments of Church Creek. At 
this place, as shall hereafter appear, Brother Thomas 
spent many of the happiest hours of his life, in religious 
labors ; and enjoyed an extended acquaintance with the 
warm-hearted, liberal, and devoted people who attended 
the meetings there, from Taylor's, Hooper's, and Elliott's 
Islands, — from up the Nanticoke, the lower Islands, — 
and various places in Dorchester County ; and who al- 
ways delighted to see him among the preachers at their 
camp meeting. 

He arrived one day while the exercises were in pro- 
gress, and was called up to " exhort," after a sermon 
had been concluded. The eyes of the congregation kin- 
dled, as they followed him in his movement towards the 
" stand." Arriving there, he pulled off his low crowned 
hat and cast it aside, he then took off his overcoat, and 
laid it away, and, turning to the expectant people, he 
said, " It comes to me, I must first s7wut /" He thereupon 
began to jump, and clap his hands, saying, " Glory !" 
" Glory !" and continued thus until he was in a fine glow 
of religious fervor. 

The people looked at the man, and then at each other, 
with smiles at the oddity of this movement, but after a little, 
some ventured an "Amen," and the feeling began to 
infect those in immediate proximity to the stand, until 
quite a number were responding, and shouting in con- 
cert. He then quieted down, and gave an earnest ex- 
hortation, full of good sense, and commanding the eager 
attention of his congregation. 



REMOVAL TO DEAL'S ISLAND. 223 

A gentleman was present on that occasion, and be- 
came the subject of deep conviction under this singular 
proceeding. His statement, afterwards, was in substance 
as follows : " At first I thought the man was a fool, 
and the preachers were to blame for asking him up. I 
was about leaving my seat in disgust and indignation, 
and retiring from the ground ; for, though I was not a 
professor of religion, I respected its order too much, to 
see it caricatured in that manner. I finally concluded 
to stand it out, rather than attract attention by my de- 
parture. I took a steady look at him, and in that in- 
stant one of the strangest sensations I ever had experi- 
enced, came over me. I felt that the Spirit of the Lord 
was there, actuating the man in what he said and did, 
and for the first time in all my life, I trembled from head 
to foot, under a new and over-powering conviction that 
I was a lost sinner. 

"I tried to shake it off by going outside among my 
friends, and made some effort to leave the place altoge- 
ther, but I could not. The hand of God was on me. I 
went forward and humbled myself publicly as a peni- 
tent seeker of pardon, through the atoning merits of 
Christ. 

" Before leaving that place I obtained an evidence of 
acceptance with God, and was inwardly assured, < Thy 
sins are forgiven thee.' 

" I had been all my life a hearer of the gospel. I had 
paid a decent respect to the observances of the church, 
and had sometimes thought myself as good as was neces- 
sary, or, at least, as good as others around me, until 
that scene of shouting unsettled my balance, and swept 



224 THE PAKSOH 01 THE ISLANDS. 

awav mv false foundation. I can now," he added, 
'•'most cordially endorse a good holy shout anywhere, 
and help a good Christian at any time to praise a par- 
doning God. 1 ' 

This gentleman became a prominent member of the 
church, and attributed his conversion to the instru- 
mentality of Brother Thomas, under the gracious in- 
fluence of the Holy Spirit. ' : His ways are not our 
ways, neither are our thoughts his thoughts. He will 
sen! by whom he will send,'"'' and work out his own 
designs, according to the counsels of his will and wis- 
dom, by means that human ingenuity is incapable of de- 
vising. % 

Singularity for its own sake is contemptible : but sin- 
gularity, and. even eccentricity, that may be natural or 
constitutional in preachers or people, should meet with 
forbearance; since few or none are moulded by the same 
model, and " variety is the spice of life." 

Sometimes an impulse received in the pulpit, or an 
impression conceived in a moment, may be from the right 
source : and to crush or disregard it, would be doing 
violence to the Spirit, and wrong to one's self, when, 
if followed, some great and good result might be at- 
tained. 

Par-on Thomas considered himself authorized to shout, 
as clearly as it appeared to be his Inty to sing or pray. 
Many a private opportunity he has improved in this 
way. when none but the God he loved and praised was 
nigh. 

Away out on a shoal called "Bird point bar," he had 
a "good time," one day. while gatl _ bait at low 



REMOVAL TO DEAL'S ISLAND. 225 

water. He was "musing" while traversing the mud, 
until "the fire burned," and "his heart became hot 
within" him, then spake he with his tongue, and the 
word was " Glory !" He never stammered on that ex- 
clamation. The neighbors discerned him in the distance, 
shouting, and thought it a strange time and place to 
indulge his " ruling passion ;" but he reported on his 
return having received a great blessing. 

One of the preachers took him to task at a certain 
camp meeting, for his disregard of propriety in this 
matter, advising him to restrain himself before large and 
promiscuous congregations, and not to incur the suspicion 
which might be created, that he sometimes shouted with- 
out any feeling prompting the act. 

"Feeling," said he, "I do not wait for feeling. I am 
prompted by a sense of duty." 

"How can you make it appear," said the preacher, 
" that it is a duty to shout, or, rather, leap as you 
do?" 

" Because," replied he, " I regard it to be a means of 
grace /" 

He then turned inquisitor, and asked : " Why do you 
pray?" 

"To receive good, and to be made happy." 

" Why do you preach ? Is it not that you may do and 
get good?" 

"Certainly." 

" And do you not sing for the same purpose ?" 

"Yes." 

"Well, do you become happy while praying?" 

"Often." 
15 



226 



THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS, 



" And in preaching ?" 

"Yes." 

"Do you sing yourself happy?" 

"Oh, yes, very frequently." 

" Good. Now understand, I shout myself happy; and 
if you use these means, when you feel dull and uncom- 
fortable, to obtain, through them, light and joy — I shout 
for the same purpose. Often when I sing, and pray, 
and preach, I fail to get my own soul blessed; but 
when I try a good shout, the clouds clear away, and 
my hope is brightened for immortality and eternal 
life." 

The preacher turned off with a smile, confessing 
himself to be enlightened in an unexpected manner, and 
acknowledging himself outdone in the argument. 

One touching incident he often alluded to in public : He 
had a sweet little child that sickened and died. The weary 
hours of watching spent by the side of the little sufferer, 
and the chill sense of bereavement which came over him, 
when death's sad work was finished, made him droop in 
sorrow and tears. He had to make the little coffin him- 
self, and with his spirit cast down and his soul disquieted, 
he proceeded with his undesirable task. While planing 
the boards, his burdened thoughts turned to the eternal 
world, the home of the pure and the holy, whither his 
child had gone. 

"Is it possible," thought he, "that my little one is 
now before the face of God, or in the arms of Jesus? 
Can it be, that the sweet voice we loved on earth, is 
blending with the angels and saints above, in the ■ new 



REMOVAL TO DEAL'S ISLAND. 227 

song' of heaven, and I am here mourning, and sad of 
heart ? Why should I ? Is not this the highest honor I 
could enjoy ? Could my ever kind God have shown me 
a greater mark of his love, than to take a child of my 
family home to his own, where 'the Lamb that is in the 
midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them 
unto fountains of living waters, and God shall wipe all 
tears from their eyes?'" This train of reflections set 
him to shouting at once. 

He returned to his plane and saw, but again praised 
the Lord; and so he continued, alternately shouting and 
working, until the coffin was made, when he proceeded 
to bear the little body to its grave, remembering the 
faith and hope of David, and saying, "I shall go to him, 
but he shall not return to me." 

Happy would it be for all parents whose little olive 
plants wither and die, if they took a brighter view of the 
case, and remembered the fact that if early lost to them, 
their children are the sooner saved. 

One of the chief deprivations of his later years was 
the infirmity that prevented his "walking, leaping, and 
— in this way — praising God." He was, in the days of 
his activity and strength, unwilling that any person should 
pray often er, preach more, sing better, or shout longer 
than himself. At a camp meeting held at Curtis' 
chapel, he and Kev. Wm. Spry labored at the altar 
until a late hour one night, and enjoyed a happy time. 
Brother Thomas retired to the church where the preachers 
lodged, and went to bed. Brother Spry came in a short 
time afterwards, and was so filled with joy, that he com- 
menced in a corner of the house to shout. The move- 



228 THE PABSOH OP THE ISLANDS. 

ment roused his rival, who immediately left his bed, and 
joined his pious brother in this exercise, unwilling that 
he should have the slightest advantage over him in this 
respect. 

Meeting with Rev. Joshua Humphries, when that min- 
ister first came on the circuit where Mr. Thomas be- 
longed, and ascertaining his name, he remarked, " TVell 
you are the first preacher I ever knew by the name of 
•Joshua." ZNow be a brave 'Joshua,' a wise commander 
of the sacramental host, and lead on your army until 
every - Jericho' of unbelief and sin is stormed and captured, 
and our great 'spiritual Joshua' proclaimed universal 
Lord. 

u You must look sharp, however, for I mean to try and 
beat you in preaching, singing, and prayer, if I possibly 
can.'' 

The more he knew subsequently of Brother H., the more 
he had to acknowledge that, in these several departments, 
his namesake was "hard to beat." 

It was at this (Curtis' chapel) meeting, he recommended 
the Princess Anne ladies to try the kind of piano the Island 
women practiced on music: said he, "They do not call it 
by that hard name though — they call it a spinning wheel! 
and make the prettiest music while they make our 
clothes. Try your hand on our ' spinning-wheel piano !' ' 



deal's island camp meetings. 229 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Commencement of camp meetings on Deal's Island — Managers — Rev. Henry 
White — Great sermon on the old hill — Rev. John S. Taylor — The power 
of a hearty ft amen" — The gust camp — Preachers present — Bible meeting 
■ — Rev. S. Townsend — Saturday night — The storm cloud — Wild commo- 
tion in the harbor — Vessels driven ashore — Tents blown down — Trees 
prostrated — Distress and fear — Saints and sinners — Rev. E. J. Way — 
Meetings in tents — A welcome morning — Extent of damage — Wonderful 
providence — Brother Thomas' celebrated exhortation — The forces rallied 
— " Our Joshua" — " The devil had a hand in it" — Did not succeed — The 
meeting goes on — Incidents — Self preservation — An alarmed sailor. 

Brother Thomas, soon after his removal to Deal's 
island, selected a place for camp meeting, and applied to 
the proper authorities of the circuit for sanction and sup- 
port, in affording to the people of that locality the spir- 
itual enjoyment and advantages of this, his favorite means 
of grace. 

He had witnessed such displays of the power of God 
in the preaching of the gospel at Tangiers, and saw so 
many blessed results in enlarged moral influence on com- 
munities, and increasing spirituality in the church at va- 
rious places, that he hoped for great good to his neigh- 
bors through this instrumentality. 

Accordingly, we find him at a Quarterly Meeting Con- 
ference, held May 24th, 1828, at Curtis' chapel, plead- 



230 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

ing his cause, and obtaining that which he sought — the 
appointment of a camp meeting to be held on Deal's 
Island, commencing on the 17th of July, in that year. 

A list of managers for this meeting is found on the 
old journal, and may be interesting to the reader, if re- 
corded here. The following is the extract from the 
minutes, as preserved in the handwriting of that devoted 
servant of the church, and steward of the circuit for a 
long series of years, — Mr. Richard E. Waters : 

" A Board of Managers was constituted for the first 
Deal's Island camp meeting, consisting of Joshua Thomas, 
Travers Daniel, Gabriel Webster, John Parks, Charles 
Parks, Severn Mister, George Rowe, John Webster, Wm. 
Wallace, Capt. Wm. White, Hamilton Webster, John 
Waters, Lewis Phoebus, Denard Evans, and Aaron Brad- 
shaw." 

The site which had been selected as possessing the 
most inviting natural advantages, was a bluff, rising ab- 
ruptly from the water's edge, thickly studded with large 
pine trees, and accessible to visitors both by land and 
water. It was situate on the lands of Brother Denard 
Evans, who cheerfully placed it at the disposal of his in- 
timate friend, Brother Thomas, and the religious commu- 
nity, for the purposes intended. 

The " old hill," as it is now termed, was occupied for 
twenty years successively as a camp ground, and hal- 
lowed by many of the most powerful meetings, that per- 
haps have ever been witnessed since the day of Pente- 
cost. Tangier Island itself, in time, became insignificant 
in the comparison. 

Sermons by some of the most distinguished preachers 



deal's island camp meetings. 231 

in the church, living and dead, have been delivered there, 
and hundreds untold, scattered over the continent, on 
both sides of the Alleghenies, in the far west, and in the 
remote south, as well as in the populous town's and cities 
adjacent to the Chesapeake Bay, were savingly brought 
to a knowledge of the truth on that consecrated ground. 
And hundreds more have " crossed the river of Jordan, 
happy in the Lord," who were born for glory there. 

The converted sailor, passing up or down the Tangier 
Sound, turns his eye to the well defined spot, and thinks 
of the hour when, in the language of a fervid poet, he 
could say : 

" The opening heavens around me shine, 
With beams of sacred bliss ; 
My Jesus shows his mercy mine, 
And whispers I am his." 

And many a Christian pilgrim who sings, " Heaven's my 
home," and at the love feast tells the time and place of 
his start for eternal life, refers to the "old hill" on Deal's 
Island, and to some memorable camp meeting many years 
ago, saying, " There God for Christ's sake pardoned my 
sins." 

The first meeting was held, as intimated, in 1828. On 
the day appointed the old woods were waked to echo with 
songs of praise, and the God of Israel was earnestly 
invoked to hear and bless his people, for the first time 
on that ground. 

Rev. Henry White, Presiding Elder, and an able 
working force of Itinerant and Local preachers were in 
attendance. People had assembled from Virginia, Dor- 



232 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

Chester, and the interior of Somerset County. Tents 
were numerous, order good, and many were converted. 
The meeting ended satisfactorily to all, and to the ex- 
treme gratification of Brother Thomas, who continued it 
the following years, and the place became renowned for 
happy and successful reunions of the Methodist people, 
from various places throughout a large district of coun- 
try. 

Rev. Henry White, whose name occurs here, was in 
his day a very effective preacher. He literally went 
forth "weeping, bearing precious seed." Those who 
crowded his congregations, and were unmoved by his ar- 
guments, were often melted by his tears. 

His most successful efforts, it is said, were made on 
Deal's Island, and before Sabbath morning congregations 
at the camp meetings there. The multitude, congregated 
under the sound of his voice, would sometimes heave like 
the ocean in time of storm, before the power of Divine 
truth falling from his lips, while his furrowed cheeks 
were bathed in flowing tears. 

One occasion is remembered, and will never be for- 
gotten by those who were present, when the religious 
excitement surpassed everything they had previously 
witnessed or felt. The good old man had produced an 
intense feeling, while proceeding with his animating 
sermon, and checked the tendency he discovered in his 
hearers to express aloud the emotions of their swelling 
hearts, or exhibit their joy by shouting. "Not yet! 
Not yet," he commanded. "I will give you the word 
when to shout." He continued preaching, and the tide 
of emotion rose still higher. "Not yet !" he urged, and 



deal's island camp meetings. 233 

exerted himself some moments longer to reach the climax 
of his subject. This was grandly done, and he ex- 
claimed, "Now ! all here who hope for heaven, rise upon 
your feet I" 

The sudden and spontaneous outburst that then rolled 
out over the waters, and rang through the woods, we 
are informed, was indescribable. As by an earthquake 
shock, sinners fell prostrate ; idlers along the shore 
started and ran towards the camp, and the sensation of 
that shout was experienced on board the vessels in the 
crowded harbor/ Some unconscious of all surrounding 
things, mingled with the amazed throng, and joined the 
general rejoicing, having paddles on their shoulders, 
which, after leaping on the shore, they forgot to leave 
with the canoes, in which they had hastened to land, to 
ascertain the nature of this commotion. 

The slain of the Lord were many that morning, and 
Christian people obtained such a vision of glory and 
of God, as many of them had never experienced before. 

A scene almost similar to this, was brought about 
some years afterwards in the same place, by a very sim- 
ple agency. Dearth and dullness seemed to have fallen 
upon the people, and the exercises of the camp were 
progressing without much apparent good being done. 
The preachers labored hard, and those who prayed, 
tried to reach the throne, — but no move had been made 
among sinners. 

Under these circumstances, Rev. John S. Taylor, a 
man universally beloved in his day, and one of the most 
popular and successful ministers remembered by the 
people of the Islands, arose to exhort, after the evening 



234 THE PARSOX OF THE ISLANDS. 

sermon. The congregation appeared to be unaffected, 
the unconverted calm and careless. "I want every 
Christian here, in the stand and out of it," said he, " to 
join me in one short, simple prayer, and when I utter 
it, to say 'Amen." He then slowly and devoutly 
prayed, " Lord have mercy on careless sinners !" A 
few voices responded, "Amen!" "Come," said he, 
" let us try it again : All who have a desire for the salva- 
tion of souls, will speak out, and say * Amen !' " Again 
he uttered the prayer, and the "Amens" were more 
emphatic, and more numerous. " Once more," said he, 
with increasing earnestness, "Lord have mercy on care- 
less sinners /" "Amen!!!" was thundered with start- 
ling eagerness by the suddenly aroused people. The 
next instant a cry arose from all parts of the camp, 
"Lord have mercy!" "Lord save or I perish!" and 
sinners came rushing forward in scores to the place of 
prayer. 

The spell was broken, the enemy routed, and victory 
was gained on the " side of Immanuel." 

Such occurrences as these, to the mind of Brother 
Thomas, were convincing of the truth, "Not by might, 
nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of 
Hosts/' 

In his own ministry he disdained no instrumentality 
that promised effectiveness in rousing the conscience 
from its delusive slumber, and reaching the heart in its 
hardness and impenitency. He remembered and prac- 
ticed the admonition, "Despise not the day of small 
things." 

One of the most numerously attended camp meetings 



deal's island camp meetings. 235 

ever held on Deal's Island was in the summer of 1838. 
This meeting is remembered as the "great gust camp," 
and will form the subject of conversation among those 
who were present, and the " generations following" for 
years to come. 

The meetings of those years immediately preceding 
this had been crowned with such glorious results, that 
many strangers had been induced to attend for the first 
time the great "feast of tabernacles," to share in the 
"showers of blessing" that fell upon this holy hill. 

The Island people had erected permanent tents on 
the front rows, reaching entirely round the circle. 
These were tastefully built, and made comfortable by 
weather-boarding and shingles. The second, third, and 
sometimes the fourth and fifth rows were occupied by 
persons from the main and distant islands. On the 
southern slope of the hill, the Potato Neck people 
pitched their canvass tabernacles. Along the brow, 
next to the Sound, large tents from Virginia were erected. 
On the upper, or northern slope of the ground, immense 
boarding establishments were allowed; and away towards 
the eastward, the colored people encamped, and held at 
intervals their lively exercises. The stand was on the 
most elevated point of ground, and commanded every 
part of the enclosure. These particulars the writer 
learned in a recent visit to that now silent and desolate 
spot, in company with Brother Denard Evans, who 
pointed out each place, and gave all the information 
desired as to the arrangements. 

At the time of which we now write, every available 
site for a tent was occupied, and the exercises of the 



236 THE PARSON OP THE ISLANDS. 

meeting commenced under the most favorable and pro- 
mising auspices. Brother Thomas, as manager-in- 
chief, was active in affording every needed facility to his 
old friends, or to new comers, as their boats touched the 



J ji — ■— (W sandy beach. 

c 



.*i i R ev. S. Townsend and Rev. James Allen were the cir- 

' t' cuit preachers that year, the former having charge of 

ItfV^^^i the meeting. The Presiding Elder, Rev. H. White, who 

a^JCc^" .was on the district for the second time, was also present. 

►^•^•^ X number of ministers from various circuits adjacent, 

were there with their people, and, after arranging the 

.tents and concluding the preparations on Thursday, the 

religious exercises were commenced with a sermon by 

Brother Townsend on Friday morning. 

An eloquent preacher named McKenny, from Vir- 
ginia, was also there to represent the interests of the 
American Bible Society, and did good service in the 
stand during the meeting. A collection was taken up 
amounting to $130 for the Bible cause, and Rev. H. 
White, Rev. J. Allen, Rev. Joshua Thomas, and the 
preacher in charge were constituted life members of the 
Virginia State Bible Society. 

The Presiding Elder preached on Saturday morning. 
Service was held in the afternoon; and Rev. J. S. Taylor, 
who, with his colleague, Rev. E. J. Way, was present 
from Accomac in Virginia, was appointed to preach at 
the evening service. 

Crowds of people had been gathering in during the 
day, and when the trumpets sounded, an immense con- 
gregation was speedily seated to hear the sermon, and 
join in the impressive devotions of the hour. The fire- 



deal's island camp meetings. 237 

stands threw a halo of light over that sea of upturned 
faces, and irradiated, with fantastic wreathings, the 
stately pines which interlaced their branches overhead. 

The night was calm and beautiful, as its sable curtain 
closed around the scene. No sign of danger near 
threatened the absorbed multitude, except a dark, mas- 
sive cloud bank, which was discerned slowly rising in the 
gorgeous west, portending one of those temporary gusts 
which bring an invigorating shower in times of summer 
drought. 

That man of God, Brother Taylor, introduced the 
services by holy hymns and a comprehensive prayer, 
after which he proceeded to announce his text from the 
Prophecy of Daniel, and every eye and ear became in- 
terested in his lucid exposition and winning manner, as 
the sermon progressed. 

Meanwhile that distant storm-cloud has become 
strangely agitated. From its murky depths lightnings 
begin to leap, and hoarse mutterings of thunder break 
upon the ear. Onward comes the war of winds ; more 
vivid and rapid in succession the flashes, and in cease- 
less reverberation the thunder. Startled looks are di- 
rected to the water, and an uneasy movement begins in 
the congregation. Brother Taylor held the people until 
the storm, careering over the bosom of the Sound, burst 
upon the camp. Then, with a hurried prayer to God for 
help and protection, the congregation was dismissed to 
see to their tents, and look after their vessels and boats. 

An accurate picture of the awful scene that followed, 
cannot, at this lapse of time, be drawn. Hundreds re- 
member the scene as if it were but yesterday, but Ian- 



238 THE PABSOH J THE IBLAHBS. 

guage fails in every attempt at a full description. Wish- 
:._■ :o obtain die most ;ircmnstantial!y correct account, 
the writer applied : : Dr. Townsend, now of Philadelphia, 
who, as preacher in charge of the encampment, 
supposed to have retained the most distinct imj ressions 
and recollections of this occasion, and received from 
that gentleman the following account of this thrilling 
scene : 

"The storm commenced on Saturday night abo": the 
close of evening service. The clouds had been gather- 
ing portentously, and seemed to settle down on the earth 
enveloping all in blackness and Terror. 

•• Tie lightning flashed through the air, the thunder 
uttered its mighty voice in the heavens, the rain de- 
scended in drenching torrents, the winds blew a per:; :: 
hurricane, the trees were uprc »ted, the tents were razed 
to the ground, the fire flew in whirling sparks, 
threatened a conflagration among the tents : the people, 
filled with sudden dread, commenced screaming wildly 
in their apprehension of destruction and death. The 
appearance of the air was unusual, sometimes red, then 
changing to blue in the gleaming light of burning 
torches, and the gene:. eet of things seemed to pre- 
sage the appalling magnificence of the day of judgment. 
Indeed many supposed "the great day of Lis wrath" 
had burst upon them. 

-Tie spacious harbor was crowded with vessels, far 
as the eye could reach. The fury of the gale first burst 
upon them, and pressed by its force, with seyerc I sables, 
dragging anchors, and crashing e :. :hey were thrown 
into a confused mass, and s^-ept in towards the shore. 



deal's island camp meetings. 239 

Many of the people in attendance at the meeting had 
made no other provision for their lodging than their ves- 
sels, and were constantly plying to and from the camp 
ground. Some were asleep in their cabins, when the 
wind and waves began to roar around them ; and, being 
awakened, rushed on deck, and rent the air with cries, 
which were borne across the angry waters to the ear of 
their friends on shore, ' We are lost ! we are lost ! Save 
me ! help me I' They expected every moment to be 
crushed to pieces, or drowned in the boiling surf. 

" The danger seemed to be not less imminent on shore. 
The stately trees yielded before the blast until their 
boughs almost touched the ground, and it was feared 
every instant they would snap like pipe stems, and, 
falling, crush the tents. When the rain came oppor- 
tunely down, and quenched the spreading flames, the 
situation of the people was rendered more wretched still. 
But in a short time the force of the hurricane was spent, 
and silence and gloom fell upon the scene. The beach 
was strewed with boats ; the people who, on the shore, 
vainly tried to shout encouragement and hope in the face 
of the tempest to those in the vessels, still called the 
names of their friends, and searched for missing mem- 
bers of their families ; but darkness was upon the face 
of the waters, and confusion on the land, like that which 
prevailed before the Spirit of God moved upon the great 
deep, and brought order out of chaos, and light and 
beauty over the dreary scene of old. 

"In the morning, which was anxiously longed for, 
and which, when it rose, was one of the calmest and 
most lovely that ever broke on this world, the effects of 



240 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

the storm became fearfully apparent. Many of the 
tents were prostrate, the people were uncomfortable, 
and in complaining humor with themselves for having 
come to the meeting, or with those at whose instance 
they left their homes. 

"Two or three, only, of the larger class vessels were 
high and dry on the shore, and only a few injured. One 
old craft was an entire loss, but the amount was made 
up, in a short time, by the generous people to her owner. 
Not a life was lost, or even a limb broken. No person, 
it was ascertained, was even seriously injured. God 
took care of the lives and property of his people, and 
preserved the multitude gathered there to hear his holy 
word. 

" The ground, tents, and clothing of the people were 
too wet to have much religious service on the following 
day. The people sauntered from place to place, making 
arrangements to leave the camp early on Monday morn- 
ing, and with the fixed determination never to return to 
that spot again. 

"Brother Thomas, who had been on the alert all night, 
became painfully aware of the discontent prevailing. 
His soul was stirred, and his spirit grieved within him, 
at the prospect of disappointment and dismay in the 
event of breaking up the meeting. Great trouble and 
expense had been4ncurred in the preparation, and great 
good was expected to be realized, as in former years, 
from the exercises ; but here was an event that threatened 
to record 'Ichabod' on Deal's Island camp ground, and 
leave this holy hill deserted and desolate. 

"The people had assembled as upon the day of Ten- 



deal's island camp meetings. 241 

tecost, from almost every part of the land. The rich 
and the poor, learned and ignorant, male and female, 
parents and children, bond and free, saints and sinners, 
were there with one accord. 

"The preachers were ready to preach, exhorters to 
work, the people to pray and sing praises : God was nigh 
at hand to bless, Christ to save, and the Holy Spirit to 
quicken and renovate the heart. Faith was in exercise, 
hope beating high with expectation of victory and triumph 
in the success of the meeting. 

"And now, to be baffled and disappointed of all this 
prospect of good before his eyes, and in his heart, was 
too much for the noble soul of Brother Thomas to bear. 
He applied to me, as the preacher in charge, to summon 
a meeting of the managers, that he might obtain permis- 
sion to have the people assembled at the stand, and ad- 
dress them before any further steps were taken to leave 
the ground. The meeting was called, permission given, 
and the trumpets sent out their call to the multitude to 
come into the congregation. The people obeyed with 
seeming reluctance, and an evident purpose not to be 
persuaded to remain. They seemed determined to 
leave the ground at all hazards. The old gentleman ap- 
proached, looking solemn as the grave, and slowly 
ascended the stand, where he knelt down in silent prayer, 
to cast his burdened soul on God, and plead for direction 
and help. 

"As he arose from his knees it might be discovered 
that his countenance shone with a placid lustre, and con- 
fidence appeared to take the place of anxiety. Brushing 
the hair that lay in straggling locks over his noble fore- 
16 



242 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

head away, he swept the congregation with an eagle eye, 
penetrating the thoughts, it would seem, of the discon- 
tented and murmuring masses before him. A pause 
ensued. The people seemed spell-bound, looking first at 
this old hero of a hundred battles, in the army of 
'Immanuel,' then in each other's eyes until shame for 
their lack of firmness and faith began to operate, and a 
mighty reaction from that moment set in on their feel- 
ings. 

"With commanding look, and tones as confident as 
those which stayed the storm on the lake of Galilee, he 
said, 'In the name of the adorable Trinity — Father, 
Son, and Holy Ghost, I want this congregation to remain 
quiet, and give me your attention; and not a man, 
woman, or child to move till I deliver to you a message 
from the Lord!' 

"No man living will ever write the address which he 
delivered that day. I believe he was as much inspired 
of God to deliver it, as was St. Paul to preach, or write his 
Epistles. Memory retains but a meagre outline, and 
can only recall the substance of his memorable exhorta- 
tion. 

" He said, ' Brothers and Sisters ! we came here to 
hold our annual feast of tabernacles. This is God's 
house. This ground has long since been dedicated to 
his service. Here he has recorded his great saving 
name, blessed his people, and converted sinners. Here 
believers have been sanctified, and his church built up on 
the foundation of its most holy faith. New born souls 
have gone forth east and west, north and south, con- 
necting themselves with the redeemed of the Lord, 



deal's island camp meetings. 243 

swelling the number of his elect, and marshaled under 
the great Captain of their salvation, to be conducted 
on to glory and to God. This ground has gained a 
widely extended fame, for the large and successful camp 
meetings held on it. The eligibility of this island for 
such purposes; its accessibility to every part of the 
country, both by land and water ; the ample accommoda- 
tions, health-giving salt breezes, right from the 1 Atlantic 
Ocean, fine shade ; and more, and ' better than all — the 
return of numerous converts, the fruits of our toil and 
tears, every year to the consecrated place of their con- 
version, who are ready to fall down and kiss the very 
earth, where, from above, in years gone by, they first 
received the pledge of Jesus' pardoning love — these con- 
siderations should weigh strongly against an abandon- 
ment of the meeting. 

" ' We assembled a few days ago, — as the Parthians, 
Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, 
Pontus, and Asia, of old, — from Delaware, Virginia, 
Maryland, the Eastern and Western Shores, the towns 
and villages around, the great cities of Baltimore, Phil- 
adelphia, and New York, from Norfolk and other places 
in that direction, — all with one accord in this grove, 
awaiting the fulfillment of the ancient promise, the de- 
scent of the Holy Ghost, like a rushing, mighty wind. 

" ' It has come. The mighty trees have been uprooted, 
the tents strewed on the ground, the hearts of the people 
have quaked with fear, their tongues have cried aloud, 
the sea has been agitated, and its mighty billows have 
moved from beneath, and lashed the time-worn shores ; 
but God has spoken to the proud waves, " Hitherto shalt 



244 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

thou come, and no farther," here they have been staved 
and stilled by his voice. 

" l The clouds have passed away, the rain is over and 
gone, the flowers appear in their beauty, the time of the 
singing of birds is come again, and the voice of the 
turtle is heard in the land. The fig tree putteth forth 
her green figs, and the vines with the tender grapes give 
a good smell. " Arise my love, my fair ones, and come 
away ;" but not to break up the camp meeting, and leave 
our goodly heritage in confusion and dismay, where God 
has so often come to us and blessed us, " but from the 
clefts of the rock, the secret places of the stairs, let me 
see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice, for thy coun- 
tenance is comely." These poetic effusions are full of 
comfort, and indicate the day of gladness and joy, that 
shall succeed the season of gloom and heaviness now 
hanging over your souls, shutting out every prospect, 
and destroying every purpose of good to yourselves and 
your friends at this meeting. 

" ' Come, then, give up this determination to forsake 
the place, and abandon the God-honored enterprise that 
brought you together, and has cost us such an expendi- 
ture of time, money, and prayer. Is it possible that you 
can so suddenly cast away your confidence, and give 
place to the enemy ?' 

1 Here he gave a paraphrase of Job and his calamities, 
arising from the malignant power of Satan, the prince 
of darkness, and applied it to the storm of the preceding 
night, saying, c The devil had a hand in it. and wanted 
to prove whether we had true faith in God/) 

" ' Shall he gain the victory, and iL scatter, tear, and 



deal's island camp meetings. 245 

slay" our hopes in this manner? Is it so? Shall we 
receive good at the Lord's hand, and not evil ? Can it 
be that your Christian integrity, your faith in a benign 
providence, is so easily shaken and destroyed ? Do you 
not believe " all things shall work together for good to 
them that love God?" 

" ' Has he blessed us with so much good weather, good 
health, prosperous seasons, happy meetings ? has victory 
so often perched upon our banner, and glory, through 
our instrumentality, redounded to Christ ? have we sent 
abroad in former times an odor of sweetness, that has 
attracted around us the thousands now present, who are 
looking to us for instruction in the good and right way ? 
And shall we now, instead of breaking to their hungry 
souls the manna of the gospel, break up our meeting, 
and send them away without supplies, to faint and die 
by the way ? Shall believers fear, and like cowards fly ? 
No ! desponding Peter, wherefore didst thou doubt ? 
Come and have thy faith made strong by earnest prayer ! 
Come, Andrew ; bring the lad with the small basket of 
loaves and fishes. "All things are ready." Let us look 
for a great blessing, that we may be enabled to praise 
our God with a loud noise, and feed the hungry multkude 
with the bread of life ! 

" • Jesus is here to perform a spiritual miracle, conquer 
and renew the old rebellious heart, and bless the poor 
with bread ! Nearer and nearer we find him coming 
now to our weak and wavering hearts ! Glory be to 
Jesus ! glory ! glory !' 

" Here a hearty response, like the sound of many waters 
broke in from the excited multitude. The tone of feel- 



246 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

ing had undergone a total change, faith sprung up, hope 
revived, and voices were heard in every direction shout- 
ing, < Go on, Brother Thomas ! we are listening to what 
you say, and are ready to follow. Give the word of 
command, our Joshua, and we will press forward, though 
it be through the wilderness or sea, in fire and fagot, in 
rain and storm, through peril and fear !' 

" Pausing while these responses rolled in upon him, he 
felt that his message was delivered, and its burden gone. 
His soul was full of holy fire, and again rising, he soared 
upon the wings of his faith, and carried his hearers into 
the state of intensified emotion which swelled his own 
heart. As they responded, he replied, ' That's you, my 
brethren ! brave soldiers in the army of our Lord Jesus 
Christ ; like our veteran fathers, fight and conquer ! 
fight and you shall win the prize, and wear the palm of 
never fading bliss — the unsullied crown of victory and 
glory which our King shall give unto all them that love 
his appearing, 'and are " faithful unto death." ' 

" He made allusion in the course of his exhortation to 
the dark days of the revolution, and the energy, perse- 
verance, and bravery of our ancestors, who fought for 
liberty and independence, in some such words as the 
following : 

" l Oh ! think of the struggle, through poverty and 
peril, in winter's biting cold, and summer's torrid heat, in 
danger, discouragement, and distress, for nine long years, 
to gain our nation's freedom from the yoke of despotism, 
that we might be permitted to repose in the shade and 
safety of that glorious tree our fathers planted in a soil 
enriched by their blood ! Did one shower of cannon 



deal's island camp meetings. 247 

balls, one defeat, the loss of one battle — the taking of 
one town or city by the enemy, intimidate those brave 
men '( [The people shouted " No !"] Did not our noble 
American soldiers stand to their guns, maintain their 
position, and without shoes to their feet, track their path 
over snow and ice, still hoping against hope, and trusting 
in the wisdom, and skill of their General, the great and 
good Washington? ["Yes."] Yes, brethren, as one fell, 
another took his place ; as one platoon gave way, another 
came to the rescue ; as company after company melted 
away, from hardship and danger, others took their place, 
filled the ranks, and urged on the fight for victory ! 
Sometimes they advanced — often had to retreat — now a 
battle is gained, then two lost, but still they were invin- 
cible. They collected the shattered fragments of their 
forces, and braced up their wasted energies for another 
onset. They were unconquerable, by their powerful 
foes, and in the face of their darkest trials shouted, " Give 
us liberty or give us death !" 

" 'Were they at last successful?' [" Yes ! yes !"] 

" i What made them so ? Not their might, their num- 
bers, equipments ; these were far inferior to the well 
trained foe they had to encounter — but they overcame 
with the blessing of God, by perseverance !' [" Yes !"] 

" ' Is our cause less righteous ; less urgent, than theirs, 
and shall we give up the strife ?' [" No !"] 

" ' Look at Martin Luther and his contemporaries strug- 
gling for long years to free their country and the world, 
from the withering blight of popery! The Apostles 
preach, the martyrs suffer, a Wesley toils his life away 
to fan into a living fire the flickering spark of an expir- 



248 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

ing spirituality, and we, oh ! for shame ! we seem to be- 
come weary in a day. Shall we let go our hope ?' 

"'iVo/No!' 

" ' There is a crown reserved for us if faithful !' 

" 'We'll have it ! we'll wear it !' 

" ' How shall we have it ? What is the condition ? Is 
it to succumb to the prince of darkness, as some of you 
were about doing ?' 

" A loud and long response of 'no!' 

" ' The patriot of old believed in the justness of his 
cause, and the skill of his general. Who is our Captain?' 

" ' Jesus ! jesus ! !' 

" ' Yes, King Jesus is our Captain, Hallelujah ! Let 
this be our sentiment : 

" Here I'll raise my Ebenezer ; 
Hither by thy help I've come ; 
And I hope by thy good pleasure, 
Safely to arrive at home." 

" This was sung amid great excitement, and Brother 
Thomas was shouting happy. He waved his hand to the 
people saying, 6 Go on ! my brethren in Christ, go on, 
I'll meet you there. " Allelujah ! the Lord God omnipo- 
tent reigneth !" " The kingdoms of this world are be- 
coming the kingdoms of our Lord Jehovah, and of his 
Son Jesus Christ!" ' 

" The old veteran left the stand in glorious triumph, 
borne away on the affections of the people, and filled to 
overflowing with the love and power of God. 

" There was nothing more intimated about striking 
tents, or leaving the camp until its close. The meeting 
received a new impetus, which carried it forward to a 



deal's island GAMP MELTINGS. 249 

glorious issue. Hundreds were converted, and no doubt 
some in glory were that morning moved to give them- 
selves to God ; — others are still on the way, and will be 
owned in that day when the Lord shall come to make up 
his jewels." 

A few incidents of this gust camp meeting, as it is 
termed, remain to be noticed. 

Brother Poulson and his company from Accomac had 
a large tent on the brow of the hill. It was exposed 
to the fury of the wind, but it stood the storm ; being 
held fast by several strong hands. Rev. E. J. Way was 
stationed at the outer, or windward post, and while hold- 
ing on for life, received a stunning blow, by the falling 
of a large shelf, loaded with crockery ware and provis- 
ions, on his head. His situation was so critical, how- 
ever, that he dared not let go, long enough to rub the 
sore place ! 

As soon as the gale subsided, this tent was cleared for 
action, a prayer meeting was started, and mourners fell 
on their knees in penitence before the Lord. A young 
woman came in, clapping her hands, and saying, " Hal- 
lelujah! the storm did not drive me to Jesus; it has no 
terrors for me; my feet are on the Rock of Ages." 

A brother, now a leader and exhorter in the church, 
informs us that he was at the meeting that terrible night, 
and was at that time a wild, thoughtless young man. 
Passing near where a tent had been dismantled, he saw 
the occupants huddled together praying, and the head 
of the family engaged in calling on God for protection and 
help. He was very hungry, and seized upon a tempt- 
ing looking pair of fowls, that lay amid the wreck, 



250 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

thinking that the theft was justified under the circum- 
stances, by the "first law of nature." With his appro- 
priated supper he took the way to the shore, to be 
beyond reach of danger, should the trees fall, as was 
expected every moment; and there, alone, spent the 
night. 

Some persons seemed to lose completely their wits 
and self-possession, and said and did a great many sin- 
gular things. A sailor sought religion in the great 
meeting following the storm, on Sabbath, and was con- 
verted. He stated that he was in his berth on board a 
vessel when the hurricane came on. The cries of dis- 
tress and the dashing of the waves aroused him ; he 
sprang on deck, where the first object he saw, was a 
large steamboat, with vapor hissing, lever working, 
wheels revolving, (to keep her to her anchor.) and the 
lights from her furnaces, cabin, and decks, flashing 
through the darkness, on his bewildered gaze. He 
thought he had, sure enough, reached the bad place at 
last, and became filled with terror and despair. He pro- 
mised, if spared to reach the shore, the very first thing 
he did, would be to repent and turn to God. He kept 
his purpose, and rejoiced aloud in the mercy that found 
him a lost and ruined sinner, and removed the burden 
of his guilt that day. 



REVIVALS AT ROCK CREEK. 251 



CHAPTER XVII. 

Rock Creek Church — Preaching of Brother Thomas — Conversion of George 
Washington Rowe — His zeal and. success — Rev. Z. Wehster — Great re- 
vival — Rev. Shepherd Drain — The Rowe family — Captain Rowe con- 
verted — Parents and Children happy in God — Mortality — Gathered home 
— Funeral of Rev. G. W. Rowe — Effects of a hymn — The sick restored — 
A Baptism of the Spirit — Faith of Parson Thomas — " Lord cure the boy" 
— Signal answer to prayer — Rev. Z. Webster a traveling preacher — His 
dying mother — " We shall meet in heaven." 

Rock Creek Church was the first, and for many 
years the only place for public worship, in the vicinity 
of Deal's Island. The large congregation at Dames 
Quarter above, and that on the island below this central 
locality, formerly united here, having no church at either 
place. Incidental allusion has been repeatedly made to 
the meetings held at this mother church in the preceding 
chapters. Its history, if written, would be a stirring record 
of revivals ; for hundreds, now among the glorified, found 
peace, and learned the way to heaven within its conse- 
crated walls. 

Brother Thomas attended and conducted service at 
this appointment, for a long series of years. Some of 
his happiest efforts in the pulpit were made here, and 
the effects of his ministry, in explaining and illustrating 



252 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

the truths of the gospel, like " bread cast upon the 
waters," may still be discovered in the conversation and 
experience of the more aged Christians in that com- 
munity. 

To reach the Rock Creek church, he had about four 
miles to walk on Sabbath mornings, besides the trouble 
of crossing the upper and lower Thoroughfare, in doing 
which he was exposed to wet and cold ; but nothing im- 
peded him in regular attendance. It is thought that 
his health received irreparable injury from his fastings, 
(for he never took breakfast before leaving home to 
preach,) his long walks, and his excessive labors there. 
After preaching, and meeting the large class, he gener- 
ally returned to the island, and assembled his neighbors 
for prayer-meeting, which sometimes continued until a 
late hour of the night. It mattered not with him how 
weary he might be in body after his Sabbath labors, if 
he only could feel assured that some one had been bene- 
fited at his meetings, or induced by his influence to ac- 
cept the mercy he offered to all whose " repentance to- 
ward God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ" gave 
evidence of sincerity in seeking religion. 

At one of the prayer meetings he conducted, an inter- 
esting young man, who had grown up without the ad- 
vantages of parental example, or encouragement to 
piety, became a subject of converting grace. He " fol- 
lowed on to know the Lord," by reading the Scriptures, 
secret prayer, and a studied avoidance of all surrounding 
dissipation. The eye of the church soon marked him 
out for usefulness. He was appointed class leader, and 
made such proficiency in grace that he soon became an 



REVIVALS AT ROCK CREEK. 253 

earnest and faithful extorter. His intense soul longed 
for a mighty, and extensive, revival of the work of God. 
For this he prayed and labored, persuading his young 
companions to think on their ways, and turn their feet 
to the testimonies of the Lord. He was in very many 
instances successful, and in due time, feeling moved by 
the Holy Ghost to believe that a " dispensation of the 
gospel had been committed to him," accepted license to 
preach, and the good old Parson, Brother Thomas, had a 
warm coadjutor in the person of George Washington 
Rowe. 

Rev. Z. Webster, also, about this time became an ac- 
tive laborer, and took his part in the exercises of the 
meetings. At a protracted effort commenced in the 
month of September, 1840, which continued four weeks, 
one hundred and ten persons professed religion, and 
joined the society at Rock Creek. Such a revival had 
never been known in that vicinity. Nearly every adult 
person within a wide circle, who had not previously be- 
come a member of the Church, was included in this over- 
whelming work of grace. 

The circuit preachers at that time were Sheppard 
Drain of precious memory; and Isaac R. Merrill. These 
faithful ministers were constant in attendance, and aided 
in the arduous labors, which this revival meeting imposed, 
by Rev. M. Willing, now a minister in the P. E. Church 
in New York, and others from a distance ; but the chief 
instrumentality, in leading trembling sinners to Christ, 
and carrying forward the prayer-meetings, was Brother 
Thomas and his two young Island preachers, Rowe and 



25-4 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

Webster ; they were " fervent in spirit, serving the 
Lord." 

During this remarkable outpouring of the Spirit, sal- 
vation came to Captain George Rowe, and all his house ! 
He was father to Rev. G. W. Rowe ; and, up to that 
time, had treated religion with almost total indifference. 
He was a man of large influence among his neighbors, 
a captain of militia, and regarded as one of the most 
unlikely subjects to be affected by the exercises of an 
excited meeting. A sight that will never be forgotten 

o o to 

by those who witnessed it, was presented when this 
proud, impetuous man bowed down in penitence, with his 
wife and children on either side of him engaged in 
prayer. They were all made happy in a sense of pardon, 
near the same time; and parents and children, around 
the altar, rejoiced with exceeding joy. They also joined 
the Church, seven of that family, standing side by side 
together, and taking her vows upon them, began to 
"journey toward Zion, with their faces thitherward." 

The change in that family was wonderful. Boisterous 
passion and unguarded profanity were hushed, prayer 
and praise sweetly blended around the newly erected 
altar of devotion, and gentleness and peace made their 
abode in that happy home. All but two of the members 
of that once united circle are gone. Mortality has 
reaped a fearful harvest, and tombstones only tell the 
once cherished names of both the united head, and 
amiable children of the Rowe family. Sons that were 
the promising stay of their beloved parents have fallen, 
one by one ; and accomplished daughters, whose intelli- 
gence and kindness made them endeared to all their as- 



REVIVALS AT ROCK CREEK. 255 

sociates, have followed their parents to the silent grave ; 
but they still live in the affections of many who shared 
their hospitality, and enjoyed their society on earth, and 
who bade them farewell in the dying hour, with hope to 
meet where parents and children part no more ; but where 
all we love shall live forever. 

In the lamented death of Brother Gr. W. Rowe, a void 
was occasioned in the church, which, it seemed, would 
be impossible to fill. At his funeral, Rev. Wm. Camp- 
bell appealed to the young people who had followed with 
sadness and tears his remains, saying, " For your salva- 
tion this departed brother spent his strength, and gave 
his life, in incessant labors and prayers. Will you 
promise, in your hearts, to-day, to try and meet him in 
heaven?" 

The wife of Captain Rowe, and mother of this large 
and interesting family, professed to have been changed 
in heart long before the Rock Creek meeting, but finding 
no sympathy in her companion for this state of life, she 
did not connect herself with the people of God, or take 
a public stand in religion, until he led the way ; then she 
gladly reconsecrated herself, and was enrolled with him 
in the militant army. 

She was a lady of sterling worth, and greatly beloved 
by all her friends. A remarkable instance of the effi- 
cacy of prayer in her behalf, occurred during a severe 
spell of sickness. She was given up to die by her phy- 
sician and family, having become so weak by prostration 
and illness that she could not turn herself on her weary 
bed. The preacher, Brother Townsend, called a com- 



256 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

pany of devout persons together at her house, and held 
a prayer meeting there for her benefit. 

Brother Thomas was present, and at a certain stage in 
the exercises proposed to sing a favorite hymn, during 
which, he said, he expected God to bless Sister Rowe, 
and give them all an evidence that she would recover. 
He then gave out, and sung with great pathos and fer- 
vor, the beautiful words : 

. " How happy every child of grace, 

"Who knows his sins forgiven! 
This earth, he cries, is not my place, 

I seek my place in heaven. 
A country far from mortal sight, 

Yet oh ! by faith I see — 
The land of rest, the saint's delight, 

The heaven prepared for me." 

This hymn he sung entire, adding to it a couple of 
disconnected stanzas, as follows : 

" To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, 
"Who sweetly all agree, 
To save a world of sinners lost, 
Eternal glory be. 

Oh ! what are all my sufferings here, 

If, Lord, thou count me meet, 
"With that enraptured host t' appear, 

And worship at thy feet!" 

As the last lines were repeated, the expected blessing 
came, and filled the soul of the sick lady with "joy un- 
speakable, and full of glory." She clapped her hands 
in holy exultation, and all who were present participated 
in the happy experience she obtained. Next day she 



REVIVALS AT ROCK CREEK. 257 

was greatly improved in strength, and in a very short 
time after that baptism, was out of bed, and able to at- 
tend her ordinary domestic duties. 

The circumstance made such an impression on one of 
her sons, (Mr. Gabriel H. Rowe, then a small lad,) that 
he committed to memory the entire hymn, as sung by 
Father Thomas, and to this day remembers both it and 
the tune, and can vividly recall the whole scene of that 
remarkable night. 

Another instance may be given, showing the power 
of prayer, and the ready, implicit faith of Brother 
Thomas. 

When Rev. Z. "Webster was a small lad, he had a very 
severe attack of illness, and was supposed to be at the 
point of death. His father, Brother Jacob Webster, al- 
ready introduced to the reader as an intimate friend of 
David Wallace, in his day, and one of the oldest mem- 
bers of the Island church at present, was grievously 
troubled about the condition of his favorite child, and 
greatly longed for his recovery, if consistent with the 
Divine will. He had the utmost confidence in Brother 
Thomas, for whom he entertained an ardent affection ; 
and in this emergency called upon him, as one who had 
power with God, to intercede for the boy, that he might 
be spared to his parents, and raised to usefulness in the 
church. 

The Parson came with alacrity, and knelt down by the 
cot of the little sufferer, imploring God to interpose and 
save him. " It may be, Lord," be said, " that this child 
will choose thy ways, and walk in them. Oh spare him 
to be a blessing, and to do good." No immediate effect 
17 



258 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

appeared, and a meeting was called, to be held in the 
little school house, where united supplication should be 
offered for the sick youth. The people assembled, the 
exercises progressed, and all who were called upon to 
pray referred to one special object — the sick child — in 
their petitions. At length Brother Thomas gave an ex- 
hortation, quoting certain promises, and showing the 
power that Jesus employed in the days of his sojourn on 
earth, to cure the sick, and even raise the dead. " Come, 
brethren," said he, "let us all have faith in this same 
Jesus, who is still ' strong to deliver, and mighty to save,' 
let us pray." He led in prayer, and made "Brother 
Webster's child," the great burden of his pleadings. He 
moved about the floor on his knees, wrestling with God, 
and settled down in one exclamation, "Lord cure the 
boy ! Lord cure the boy !" Obtaining what he re- 
garded as an answer, he leaped to his feet rejoicing, and 
expressed his confidence that prayer had been heard, 
and would be answered. 

" Go home, Brother Jacob," said he, " your boy will 
recover." He came home, and found Zach. much better. 
The crisis had passed, and his health rapidly returned. 

That little boy was, as has been intimated, converted 
in his youth, became a leader and exhorter, was in due 
time licensed to preach, and recommended by his bre- 
thren to the Philadelphia Annual Conference, to be re- 
ceived into the traveling connection. 

He was received, and gave several years of earnest 
labor to the church, when he took a location and engaged 
in mercantile pursuits, preaching whenever and wherever 
called upon, and is at this day, all that was comprehended 



REVIVALS AT ROCK CREEK. 259 

in the hopes and prayers of Brother Thomas, " a good 
useful man in the church," and a very zealous, and effec- 
tive minister. 

When the good old " father in Israel," Brother Thomas, 
died, Brother Webster by request preached his funeral 
sermon, an abstract of which will be found in this volume. 
His services are greatly in demand, and are always 
cheerfully given, in this department. He has attended 
as many funerals within the last ten or fifteen years, as 
any man that could be named, as he lives in the heart 
of a teeming population, remote from the residence of 
the circuit preachers, and enjoys withal the universal 
esteem and confidence of the community. This duty 
devolves upon him to such an extent, that we heard him 
declare a short time since in the pulpit, — when about to 
preach a funeral sermon, — he hardly knew where to turn 
in the Bible for an appropriate text which he had not 
already used on some similar occasion. 

Through his almost unaided efforts, the time-honored 
church at Rock Creek is sustained in its financial and 
Sunday-school departments. The society there has dwin- 
dled considerably, since the erection of large and elegant 
churches on Deal's Island, and in Dames Quarter, which 
have drawn off the congregations that in former years 
crowded its walls, and enjoyed their chief Sabbath-day 
privileges, in its holy services. 

Its present membership is not as zealous as they 
should be in attendance, and prayerful waiting on the 
Lord to secure spiritual prosperity and religious enlarge- 
ments. 

" Wilt thou not revive us again, that thy people may 



260 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

rejoice in thee ? Show us thy mercy and grant us thy 
salvation !" " Lord, revive thy work /" 

Before closing these memorials of Rock Creek and 
Brother Webster, a touching incident relating to his de- 
parted mother may be introduced. While he was off 
on his circuit when an itinerant preacher, she was called 
away to a better home. Before she died, they asked 
her, "Shall we send for Zachariah ?" "No," she re- 
plied, " though I should love to see him before I go ; it 
is not necessary, we shall meet in heaven ; tell him to 
be faithful to God and the church, and I shall wait on 
the blest shore to hail him there among the saved." 

The present wife of Brother Jacob Webster, who wor- 
thily fills the place of his former, and departed com- 
panion, is a daughter of the late Father Thomas, and 
was by him "picked out," as the most suitable for his 
friend. 

She is a lady of great energy of character and devo- 
tion to God. On her memory, as sufficient authority, the 
writer relies for many incidents of her honored parent's 
earlier life. He is also indebted to her for the gift of 
her father's old hymn book, from which numerous quo- 
tations are made as they were found, marked, and em- 
phasised there. 

To Mrs. Hester Webster, therefore, in the name of 
our readers, we tender respectful acknowledgments for 
her invaluable aid in the compilation of these memoir. 



VISITS TO BALTIMORE. 261 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Brother Thomas ordained an Elder — Preaches in Baltimore — Rev. G. G. 
Cookman — William St. Church — Great sensation — Meeting at the house 
of Mr. Crouch — People happy — Rev. I. P. Cook at Deal's Island — Local 
Preachers — The Parson in Baltimore — The guest of Mr. Cook — A leaping 
blessing — Exhortation to the colored people — Jacob's sons — Corn in the 
land — " Godliness with contentment" — Poor prospect — God's blessing and 
a good harvest — "What he says is first rate" — Popularity in the city — A 
new overcoat — The prayer and its effects. 

Brother Thomas was recommended for Elder's 
orders, and ordained in 1835. His presence at the ses- 
sion of the Philadelphia Annual Conference that year, 
enabled many of the preachers who previously had heard 
of him, to form his acquaintance, and show him the re- 
spect to which his name, and valuable services in the 
church, entitled him. When his recommendation was 
read, and the vote was about being taken on his 
election, his good Presiding Elder had only to represent 
him as the man who preached on Tangier Island before 
the British army, and who was ever the devoted friend 
and helper of the preachers laboring in his vicinity, to 
secure for him a unanimous and hearty reception by the 
Conference. When called in to answer the usual ques- 
tions propounded by the Presiding Bishop, as to his 



2G2 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

faith and obedience, with reference to doctrine and dis- 
cipline, he appeared for the moment to he under con- 
siderable embarrassment, but put the brethren in great 
good humor by his simple and emphatic answer: "I 
don't understand as much about these matters as my 
beloved brother ministers here, but as far as I know, to 
the best of my ability I will conform to all the rules of 
the Methodist Church; you may depend on it!' 1 

On his way to Philadelphia, he, in company with 
Rev. Thomas Summers, who was ordained a deacon the 
same year, had to pass through the City of Baltimore. 
To this place, his fame had preceded him, but he did not 
make himself known to any of the preachers or people, 
until circumstances brought him into prominence. The 
Baltimore Conference had just closed its session, and the 
ministers had not yet become settled in their stations. 

The Rev. George G. Cookman had been announced to 
preach on the Sabbath Brother Thomas was in the city, 
at William St. Church. A great crowd had been at- 
tracted to hear this celebrated minister, Brothers Thomas 
and Summers, among others, repaired to the place, but 
Mr. Cookman did not reach the city, and the people 
were disappointed. 

One of the official men of the church arose, and, after 
making explanations, and regretting the fact that they 
had no preacher, proceeded to announce a hymn and 
offer prayer. While he was offering his apology, Brother 
T. turned to his fellow traveler, and inquired, " Ought 
we let this good brother know that we are preachers?" 
Brother Summers modestly advised against this, as it 



VISITS TO BALTIMORE. 263 

might involve them in responsibility which they were not 
prepared to assume. 

During the prayer, however, the soul of the "Parson" 
was fired up, and his responses became notable. To 
every petition he would say with earnestness "amen!" 
and at times would utter the word "glory!" and 
"hallelujah" in a very animated and emphatic way. 

"Who is this old chap?" whispered one of the brethren 
in the ear of Brother Summers. "That is Joshua 
Thomas," replied he. " What !" said the other, " Parson 
Thomas, from the Islands?" "Yes," was the answer. 

As soon as the prayer was ended, there was a hasty 
consultation, and the leading brother turned to the con- 
gregation, saying, " We are favored to-night with the 
presence of Brother Joshua Thomas, and another Local 
preacher ; these brethren will please go into the pulpit 
and take charge of the meeting." 

There was quite a flutter of excitement through the 
crowded house when it became known that Thomas was 
there. He regarded this unexpected turn of affairs as 
an opening of providence, and immediately ascended the 
pulpit, calling on his brother preacher to follow. This, the 
other was reluctant to do, but took a seat in the altar. 
After singing another hymn, Brother Thomas announced 
the text, "Ye must be born again," and, after telling the 
people, that he only rated himself as an exhorter, pro- 
ceeded to give an able, and very interesting exposition 
of the doctrine of regeneration, and illustrated his points 
in his characteristic manner, ending with a shout; to the 
great delight and profit of his congregation. Brother 



264 THE PAK50X OF THE ISLANDS. 

nmers tlien took part in the services, which were con- 
tinued until a late hour. 

A gentleman named Crouch — father of the Rev. C. J.. 
Crouch of the Philadelphia Conference, took the strangers 
to his house on Light Street, and insisted on their 
making it their home. The door was besieged early 
next day by a large number of people who came to pay 
their respects to our Parson. 

He proposed to "hold meeting" there, and did so the 
greater part of the day. The parlors were crowded, and 
the people wept under his artless eloquence, or joined 
him in shouting the praise of God. Some, it is said. 
were brought under conviction, and became the subjects 
of united prayer, until they were converted and made 
happy in a Saviour's love that day. 

Before leaving the city he met with several of the 
preachers, and others whom he had previously known, 
and gave them all a pressing invitation to the Deal's 
Island camp meeting. 

At that place, during the following years, he had the 
pleasure to meet many of them, and renew the fellowship 
and friendship which he had formed for these whole-souled 
brethren. 

Among the visiting ministers at Deal's Island, on the 
occasion of a camp meeting in August, 184:2, was the 
Rev. Isaac P. Cook, who became a great friend and 
favorite, of the Island preacher. His labors at this 
meeting were extensive and very successful, and the 
intercourse between him and Brother Thomas and others 
who occupied tents on the ground, was very intimate 
and pleasant. 



VISITS TO BALTIMORE. 265 

As a local preacher, Brother T. was especially in- 
terested in him, since he was himself of that class ; and 
shared the honor which he considered due to such 
brethren, when they exceeded in pulpit power, or main- 
tained equality, even, with the regular, or "traveling" 
fraternity. His Baltimore preacher, he considered, 
as do all who know the man, a credit to that noble 
band, who form the " right arm" of the Itinerancy it- 
self. 

By invitation of Be v. I. P. Cook, Brother Thomas 
visited Baltimore in 1842, and again, accompanied by 
Mrs. Thomas, in the month of September 1844. During 
these visits, he was the welcome guest of Mr. Cook and 
his family, and received marked attention from both the 
Methodist people, and the community generally. 

The periods of his sojourn in that hospitable city, were 
among the most pleasant recollections of his after life. 
A number of incidents occurred in connection with his 
social and public career, that will not only bear repeti- 
tion, but will be found both interesting and instructive. 

A number of ministers were invited to dine at the 
house of the late Mr. Joseph T. Ford. In the course 
of conversation, Brother Thomas inquired of a worthy 
minister, since deceased, " Brother, did you ever 'leap' 
while praising God?" 

The minister replied, "No, I never did." 

Brother Thomas continued, "It is as much a gift of 
God to ' leap,' as to weep, or shout in his service. I 
remember the first time the power of the Lord came on 
me, in that manner. I was in my canoe, and earnestly 
engaged with God in prayer, I asked that I might be 



266 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

enabled to ' leap' and praise the Lord ; the power came 
in answer to prayer ; I sprang from the canoe, and in the 
water and mud near the shore, I leaped and glorified God." 
He then added, "Brother, you have never received a 
^leaping blessing, because you have never exercised faith 
that God would give it to you." 

Whatever doubt may be expressed of the propriety of 
his views concerning what he termed a "leaping bless- 
ing," no one who knew the man could doubt his sincerity 
in what he stated. 

He accompanied his good friend Mr. Cook one Sabbath 
to the colored peoples' church, where he had an ap- 
pointment. After sermon, Brother Thomas had the 
privilege to speak a few words, and delivered, as we are 
told, one of his most unique, and remarkably successful 
exhortations. He stated, in substance : 

" There was a good old patriarch named Jacob ; he 
had twelve sons, but they did not all love each other. 
Ten of them took one, named Joseph, and sold him as a 
slave into Egypt. After a long time, a great famine 
arose, and his father and brothers were in want of food. 
A visit was made to Egypt by his brethren, to buy corn, 
and they obtained some, which lasted them awhile, but 
soon gave out. They had to go down there a second 
time, as the famine continued, and there was plenty of 
corn in Egypt ; and during this trip, Joseph made him- 
self known to them. The old father and his family 
were sustained through the provision that had been made 
by Joseph, under the direction of God himself. 

" Now," said Brother Thomas, " your fathers inhabited 
the same country ; they did not love each other, but en- 



VISITS TO BALTIMORE. 207 

gaged in wars, took prisoners, and then sold them as 
slaves. Many were thus brought to this country, where 
they have found that there is corn in the land — the blessed 
religion of Jesus Christ. But spiritual famine reigns in 
Africa your father land ! Your brethren are calling for 
bread ! The church of God is sending it out, but the 
famine is not abated. You should aid not only in send- 
ing, but in taking the gospel of Christ to your benighted 
brethren ; for there is an abundance of corn in the land ! 

" Would you not rather labor, and dig, and toil, and 
enjoy the religion of Jesus Christ, than be where there 
is no corn ?" 

The appeal was answered by a universal response and 
a scene of rejoicing, in which Brother Thomas partici- 
pated, until he became weary. He would then request 
them "to rest a while," when the same scenes were re- 
newed, and much enjoyment seemed to prevail. 

All who know the sensitivenesss of the colored popula- 
tion, on their relation to Africa, may clearly discover 
the delicacy of the position assumed by Brother T. ; but 
his evident piety, simplicity, and earnestness, bore down 
all opposition, and disarmed their resentment, while he 
won their respectful admiration. 

He was with the same minister, (Brother Cook,) on 
another occasion, in one of the largest churches in the 
city. Mr. C. preached a sermon founded on the text, 
" Godliness with contentment is great gain, for we 
brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can 
carry nothing out." 1 Timothy, vi. 6, 7. 

Brother Thomas followed in an exhortation, remark- 
ing, " It would be strange if the people of Baltimore 



268 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

"were not contented, with such fine houses, furniture, and 
clothing, as you possess. If you lived where I do, and 
saw how the Islanders have to labor and toil, and suffer, 
to make their daily bread, you would be contented with 
your condition." 

He then said, when God converted him he was very 
poor, without comfortable clothing, or even shoes to his 
feet ! He worked a small patch of ground, in which he 
raised corn and vegetables. After his conversion he felt 
it to be his duty to visit his neighbors, and tell them 
what the Lord had done for him. This occupied much 
of his time, day after day, but he devoted the hours of 
night to labor, that he might not be a loser "by his reli- 
gious efforts, for the welfare of his neighbors. After one 
of his excursions, in visiting and praying with the people, 
he returned to his home, went out into his little field 
and engaged in working his corn. " It looked very un- 
promising, indeed," said he; "my adjoining neighbor 
was a man of the world, who gave little or no attention 
to religious things, and his corn was taller, greener, and 
gave promise of a far better yield than mine. Satan 
suggested this to my thoughts, ' If God loved you, as 
you suppose he does, he would take better care of your 
crop, while you are away exhorting your neighbors ; 
look at that other field ! see the great difference between 
your worldly neighbor and yourself; you had better 
stay at home and mind your own business.' 

"My feet," said he, "had well nigh slipped, but I 
thought I would pray over it, and I knelt down beside 
one of my little corn hills, and called upon God. I told 
him in sincerity, that I was anxious about the souls of 



VISITS TO BALTIMORE. 269 

the unconverted, and wanted them to seek Christ — that 
I wished to devote myself to his blessed cause, and if I 
was right, to bless me there. 

" Well, the Lord poured down on my soul the most 
abundant blessing I had ever received. I rejoiced in 
the God of my salvation. 

" In the midst of my rejoicing, I thought I heard a 
voice saying to me, ' Joshua Thomas, do you want any 
more corn?' I replied, 'Not another hill, Lord ! !' and 
before the time for gathering corn had come, my stalks 
were just as high, and my crop was fully equal to, my 
neighbors ; and, you see, I exhorted the people nearly 
every day besides." " Godliness with contentment is 
great gain." 

During these visits to Baltimore, he preached at 
several churches, in, and adjacent to, the city. He also 
delivered various exhortations, attended several official 
meetings, and gave, on these occasions, interesting state- 
ments concerning his awakening and conversion to God ; 
which produced a great desire on the part of the people 
to see the venerable man, and receive his blessing. 

A friend states that he was in the city about the time 
Brother Thomas was there, and heard him talked of 
everywhere. Two gentlemen met in the street and en- 
gaged in conversation. One inquired of the other : — 
" Have you been to hear Mr. Thomas ?" 

"No," was the reply, "who is he?" 

" An old gentleman from the Islands who is visiting 
the churches and making people cry and laugh every 
time he talks !" 

" Ah ! a preacher, is he ?" 



270 THE PARSON OF TIIE ISLANDS. 

" Well, I am not sure that he is a preacher." 

" One of their i exhorters,' then, I reckon." 

" Don't know about that ; but, preacher, exhorter, or 
whatever he may be, I never listened to a more interest- 
ing man in my life." 

" I must try and hear him too." 

" Do, for what he says is first rate /" 

It is said that even Mr. Maffit, then in the zenith of 
his popularity, could not attract a greater crowd in Bal- 
timore than the "Parson of the Islands," who, in home- 
spun dress and in simple language, told inquirers the 
" way of salvation," as he had learned it, when the Holy 
Spirit became his light, and guide, to the cross of Cal- 
vary. 

The house of Rev. I. P. Cook, where he was being 
entertained, was frequently crowded, as that of Brother 
Crouch on his former interview with the people. Visit- 
ors poured in and kept him constantly employed in tell- 
ing the wonderful works of the Lord to himself and 
his neighbors ; repeating instances of conversion, and de- 
scribing the early camp meetings and revivals, in the 
exercises of which he had participated. 

Until his dying day he remembered, and conversed 
about that loving people who made so much of him, and 
conferred upon him, by their kindness, a weight of obli- 
gation which he tried to discharge in his usual way — by 
praying for them. 

He retained a number of little presents, made to him 
on those occasions, and beguiled the solitude and weari- 
ness of his last days, by recalling the circumstances, 
and mentioning the names of his warm-hearted friends. 



VISITS TO BALTIMORE. 271 

One of the most interesting, and affecting incidents of 
his sojourn, occurred just prior to his departure to his 
Island home. The circumstances are furnished by an 
eye witness of the whole proceeding, and are as follows : 

" It was noticed by his host and a few others that the 
old gentleman needed an overcoat, and Mr. Cook took 
him to a clothing establishment, where he selected a 
suitable article, to keep him warm and comfortable during 
the approaching winter. Brother Thomas was asked if 
the coat would be of service to him, while conveying the 
ministers of Christ in his canoe to their preaching ap- 
pointments. 

He replied, he had not the means to pay for it. 

The overcoat was ordered and sent to the store of 
Mr. Cook without his knowledge. The parson was then 
informed the coat was his property. 

He answered, "No, I did not buy it." He was told 
that it was a gift of several friends who had contributed 
to purchase it for his comfort. 

" What shall I do for those kind friends ?" said he. 

"Pray for them," was the answer. 

" Well," said he, "let us pray now." 

He was then in the public store, and was about kneel- 
ing ; for it was immaterial to him where he prayed, so 
that he could pour out his full soul before the Lord ; but 
Brother Cook stopped him, saying, " Not here ; not in 
this public place ; let us retire where the family are, and 
have them to join us." 

All then repaired to a private room, where a scene took 
place, that never can be forgotten. They bowed in 
prayer, and Brother Thomas proceeded in something 



272 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

like the following language and order to say : a O Lord, 
thou hast been good to thy unworthy servant all his days. 
When he was a poor, miserable sinner, thou didst awaken 
and convert him for Christ's sake. Lord, thou knowest 
how poor I was, when I was converted. I had but little 
clothing, no shoes to my feet, and scarcely bread to eat ; 
but thou hast fed and clothed me, and given me many 
friends. All I have the religion of Christ has given 
me. 

" Lord, thou knowest how greatly I needed warm clothing 
for the coming winter, that I might aid thy ministering 
servants in preaching the gospel, and doing good : and 
this morning thou knowest I counted my little money, to 
see if I could buy an overcoat for the winter, and thou 
knowest I could not do so. 

" And now, Lord, these kind friends have supplied me 
with what I needed so much. Thou didst put it into 
their hearts to help thy poor old servant. Lord, let 
these good brethren be clothed with salvation as with a 
garment ; and may they never lack any good thing. 
They have asked thy servant to pray for them. It is all 
he can do. Lord ! Lord ! bless and save them for Christ's 
sake. Amen." 

Tears and sobs were seen and heard throughout that 
company, and a share in the cost of that overcoat could 
not have been easily purchased, after the melting prayer 
was ended. It seemed to have been uttered in the very 
presence of God, and was answered as soon as offered. 

" Years have passed away since that occasion, but the 
memory of that precious saint of God will not soon be 
forgotten. He was indeed a living example of the power 



VISITS TO BALTIMORE. 273 

of Christ to save from sin, and to consecrate to holy pur- 
poses, even * one talent,' in the vineyard of the Lord 
of the whole church. 

" Many far more elevated in society, educated, and tal- 
ented ; have done less, much less, for the cause of God 
and humanity, than the simple hearted, honest, and 
faithful Island exhorter, Joshua Thomas." 

" Give my love to all my Baltimore friends," said 
Father Thomas, a short time before his departure, to a 
person from, and about to return to, that city. 

" All !" was the rejoinder ; " that would be next to an 
impossibility; unless I put your kind message in the 
papers, and have it announced in every Methodist 
pulpit!" 

" Well, do so," said he, "for I love everybody there!" 

When, on the occasion of the Deal's Island camp 
meeting, large numbers of what was called the "rowdy" 
class, made excursions on the steamers chartered for that 
purpose ; and, by their restiveness on the Sabbath day, 
gave trouble to the managers and order-loving citizens ; 
Father Thomas would plead : " Treat them well ; bid them 
all welcome ; show a loving temper, and they will behave 
right; and perhaps some of them may be converted 
through our instrumentality." 
18 



274 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS, 



CHAPTER XIX. 

Camp meetings at Nanticoke Point — Thomas and Lawrenson — A clever 
Captain — Preach like others — Contrasts — Heaven and Hell — The black 
Ram — An offended hearer — An apology — Lawrenson's sermon — Minis- 
terial fidelity — Repent or perish — The Captain conquered — Bro. Thomas 
a peacemaker — Coals of fire — Captain Mister — A bad state to die in — 
Prayer on deck — Another case — Power of love — Place of prayer — Sedge 
grass — A large blessing from a slight call — Praying the devil off his 
Island — Contest for supremacy. 

Nanticoke Point was another celebrated camp ground, 
and Brother Thomas was always welcome, when per- 
mitted by his numerous engagements, to attend the ser- 
vices of the meeting there. 

In the clays of Lawrenson, these two notable men gave 
celebrity to any occasion of worship where they were 
present to participate, in preaching, exhortation, or social 
intercourse. 

At one of the camp meetings remembered in this lo- 
cality, a number of preachers — traveling and local — had 
assembled, and both these brethren were among them, 
to take their share of responsibility and labor. A gen- 
tleman who resided in the neighborhood, and who took a 
lively interest in all the meetings, but was not himself 
religious, took great delight in the forcible and masterly 



SERMON AT NANTICOKE POINT. 27/ 

discourses of Mr. Lawrenson, and also in the quaint 
exhortations of Brother Thomas. The latter was an 

especial favorite with Captain , but for one or 

two things in which he indulged, to the disparagement 
of his character in the estimation of his friend ; those 
were, to repeat so often the story of his childhood's 
poverty, and shout so much at camp meetings. " Why 
don't you preach to us like the other ministers, Brother 
Thomas ? We would rather hear that, than have you 
going over your anecdotes, or jumping about in the 
pulpit," the Captain would say. 

"Well," rejoined Brother T., "I do not know how to 
preach like anybody but Joshua; but, to please you, I 
will not do what you dislike, if I can possibly avoid it." 

He entered the stand soon after, and commenced the 
exercises of the morning prayer meeting, during the 
progress of which, he delivered a very impressive ex- 
hortation, confining himself to one particular theme, at 
the suggestion of his critical friend, who sat before him ; 
he alluded to the astonishing contrasts between time and 
eternity, in relation to human character and the condition 
of men. 

"Could we penetrate that vail," said he, "which 
hides the glory world from mortal sight, who, think you, 
would we behold nearest the throne?" He looked, and 
pointed upward for a moment, and then continued, as 
if he saw a particular object — " Who is that yonder in 
a shining robe, among the company of the ' blood be- 
sprinkled bands,' with a form more lovely, a face more 
joyful, and a song higher and holier in its strain, than 
all the others there ? See ! Jesus smiles upon that spirit, 



276 TIIE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

while it casts a jeweled crown before him ! Who can it 
be?" 

After a short pause, he turned his gaze from the blue 
arch of the heavens, slowly round toward the rear of the 
stand and — pointing his finger to one of the pious old 
colored persons, who, with flowing tears were listening 
to his talk about "glory," he said, "It may be some one 
who was a poor, neglected, suffering saint of God here 
on earth, like one of these ! In this world of woe she 
had afflictions and persecutions, but she loved her Lord, 
and though often, it may be, was hungry and weary, 
she held fast to the hope set before her, believed the 
promises, and died well ! 

" Her sufferings in this present life were more than 
many others, and — understand — her joy is now greater, 
her song sweeter, and her mansion more glorious than 
some who did not live so faithful. The hymn tells us : 

" Through great tribulation, my people I bring, 
And the deeper their troubles, the sweeter they sing." 

(This couplet was doubtless one of his own getting 
up, as he spent much of his own unoccupied time, when 
on the water, in re-arranging stanzas, to suit his own 
views.) 

"What," he continued, "is the worth of a world, in 
comparison with yonder crown ! What signifies it, 
colored people, if you are laughed at, and scorned, if 
you but learn the way to Jesus, and He, at the last i great 
day,' shall say to you, ' Well done!' Be faithful; live 
holy ; sing on : 



SERMON AT NANTICOKE POINT. 277 

" Give me Jesus, give me Jesus, 

You may have all this world, 

Give me Jesus." 

This encouragement was appreciated by the poor 
neglected ones, to whom it was addressed, and who are 
too often slighted, or forgotten by the minister. They 
responded rapturously; "Yes, glory be to his name!" 

"And now," he went on, with more stern emphasis 
and an overcast brow — "Now, let me show you a picture 
of the other place ; for we are all traveling to heaven or 
hell; to eternal salvation, or to 'everlasting fire!' Look 
at the lost ! — there they are weeping and wailing, and — 
Who is that?" Here he made a rapid gesture with his 
hand, while terror gleamed in his eye. With finger 
pointed he repeated, "Who is that? I see one there 
who in this world lived high, had plenty, owned horses, 
and carriages, and farms — who attended camp meetings, 
respected the preachers, was good to his neighbors, but 
after all lost his soul ! There he is among ugly fiends, 
himself as ugly as a big black ram!" 

At this point, the people who were in a strain of eager, 
and very serious thought, felt themselves irresistibly 
impelled to laugh, and many eyes following the index 
of the speaker's hand rested on one particular man, to 

whom it pointed. The man was Captain , the 

friend of Brother Thomas, who in a moment began to 
wince under the ludicrous comparison, and the startling 
suspicion which flashed upon him — " He means me!" 

No, he did not mean him. It was a mere accident 
that his finger pointed in that direction, but, without 
thinking, or designing it, he drew an accurate portrait. 



278 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

Nor was lie responsible for the comparison that seemed 
so incongruous ; he could not help it. He made people 
laugh and cry within one minute's time. His discourses 
were full of homely but striking comparisons, causing a 
smile to flash like a ray of light, over a thousand up- 
turned faces at once ; but without losing his pathos, and 
that power over their sensibilities, which touched on 
keys he understood, and vibrated to weeping at his 
will. 

He continued his description of the lost man, and so 
vividly pictured his misery and hopeless despair, in con- 
trast with a "fast" life and abundance of worldly com- 
forts ; that, weeping himself over such a fall, he made 
others tremble, hold in abeyance their very breath, and 
let the tears spring unbidden from their " eyes unused 
to weep." 

"But, without his knowing it, that friend of his felt 
himself aggrieved, and in hot resentment left his seat and 
started for the " outskirts" of the camp. 

Here he was rallied and joked by his boon compan- 
ions, until he threatened severe measures on the head 
of the unoffending man, whom in his petulance he char- 
acterized as "an ignorant old islander." 

When Brother Thomas finished his exhortation, and 
the people were allowed a short interval before the 11 
o'clock service, he ascertained the difficulty of which he 
had been the cause. To hear that his warm friend the 
captain was "out" with him, filled his meek soul with 
distress. He could not bear the thought of enmity 
against a living person, or rest, if others had ought 
against him. He was on the way to find the offended 



SERMON AT NANTICOKE POINT. 279 

hearer, and humbly apologize for what had given offence, 
when he met Brother Lawrenson. " Never mind," said 
the latter, "it will blow over. Don't go near him." 
" Oh," said T., "I must go and make up. I would give 
or do anything to regain his good will, and save his 
soul." 

"Well," said the other, "leave the matter to me. I 
am going to preach this morning, and will make a suita- 
ble apology for you." To this he agreed, as Brother L. 
insisted on the arrangement. 

Before the congregation gathered, which was in a few 
minutes, the subject was whispered round, and reached 
the captain's ear. He was mollified considerably by 
what he understood to be the consideration of Mr. Law- 
renson for his wounded feelings, and invited all his 
friends to come and hear the concession to his wounded 
vanity, which he supposed the Elder was about to make 
in a public and ostentatious manner. 

The preacher commenced his exercises, and in due 
time announced his text. It had been evidently sug- 
gested by the circumstances, and related to ministerial 
fidelity and responsibility. It was one of his mightiest 
efforts, and carried away the people in rapt admira- 
tion for his lofty genius and commanding eloquence. 

There sat the "worldlings," whose pride had been 
touched, and whose vanity craved a humiliating acknow- 
ledgment from the pulpit, that the good brother of the 
morning was indiscreet, or presumptuous, in allusions 
made, which, however remotely, referred to their vices 
and sins, and told the truth as to the end of their care- 
less career. 



280 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

Lawrenson at length, in an indirect, but scathing 
rebuke, made the promised apology. He had referred, 
to the adjustments of the "last day," when God's ad- 
ministration and man's accountability should appear in 
the light of the "great white Throne." "There," said 
he, "I must stand, and these my fellow laborers, to an- 
swer as to motive, word, and deed. No dissimulation 
there ! No excuses for a time-serving, man-fearing, 
world-pleasing policy, can stand the scrutiny of the au- 
gust Judge. We must speak the truth, — < declaring 
unto you the whole counsel of God;' and wo unto us, if 
we fail to 'warn the wicked,' neglect our duty, or lack 
in our own behalf personal holiness. 

"And you, oh ! ye godless men, how will you stand 
in the presence of that God you heedlessly forget, or 
madly spurn, in this your day of mercy ? 

" Here you carp and cavil about your honor, name, 
and character ! Here you show a silly head as well as 
a depraved heart, when you imagine an insult, because 
we rush in your hellward path with messages of terror 
and gentle grace, to save you, if we may, from the curse 
and consequences of your sinful ways. 

"You must have an apology to soften unwelcome 
truth, and degrade God's ministers into miserable time- 
servers ! You would have us beg your pardon for preach- 
ing in your refined ears, the living word, which as a keen 
edged sword, I am glad to believe, has this day aroused 
the conscience within your breast, to feeling and to 
fear. 

" No ! no ! we stand on an eminence too high, to come 
down to this ! Whether you hear or forbear, bless or 



SERMON AT NANTICOKE POINT. 281 

curse, believe or, doubting, go down to hell, we are not 
ashamed of the gospel ! 

" This controversy we throw on the Master ' whom we 
preach,' and who will settle it with you soon. To that 
day we bind you over. There we would appear — may 
Almighty God grant us to appear free from the blood 
of all men; free from blame in that we set 'life and 
death' before you this day ; free, when the issues of this 
meeting are made known, from tampering with your 
souls, and by a craven spirit, unworthy those who stand 
on the watch towers of Zion, exhibit to the derision of 
devils a fear of man ! 

" No ! no ! our apology is, ' Repent or you shall 
perish;' believe or you will surely be damned." 

Like the bursting of a bombshell, these red hot truths 
fell, and scattered dismay in the midst of our friends re- 
ferred to, who, at the close of the sermon, beat a hasty 
retreat beyond the circle, admitting, and even admiring 
the worth of men who would not quail from duty to gra- 
tify their greatest friend. 

Brother Thomas, during the sermon, and at its close, 
confessed his faith, and adherence to the principle of a 
firm and distinct utterance of truth, and discharge of 
duty, regardless of consequences ; although he never 
could bring his mind into a patient indifference to the 
opinions and regard of his friends. 

The sermon, a sketch of which has been attempted, made 
a deep impression. It was so far, in severity, beyond 
the morning's subject, that Brother Thomas regained the 
respect and friendship of the enraged captain, who was 



282 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

now in a milder mood, and remarked, as he met the Pre- 
siding Elder, " Lawrenson, youve swept me !" 

A neighbor of Brother Thomas', whom he highly 
esteemed, took umbrage once at something he said or did ; 
and being of an unfortunately high and hasty temper, 
would admit of no overture for reconciliation. This 
grieved the good man exceedingly. He could neither 
eat nor sleep, so deeply was he troubled by day and by 
night, about this misunderstanding. 

Hearing that his offended brother (old Captain Mister) 
was preparing to start for Baltimore in his vessel, he 
paddled up to where the schooner lay at anchor, and 
went on board. Captain M. rudely ordered him from 
the deck. He happened to be unusually cross at the 
moment. Brother Thomas meekly retired to his canoe 
which was alongside, and, with sadness and pain ex- 
pressed on his face, remained there for some time in si- 
lence. At length the captain in a rough way asked him 
why he did not clear out, and told him he did not want 
to see him about there. Brother Thomas replied, " I 
cannot leave you in this way, brother ; you are bound on 
a voyage, and something may occur to prevent your re- 
turn. This is an uncertain world, and yours is an un- 
certain life ! What if you should go to the bottom, and 
to the bar of your God in the spirit you now show, and 
with the feelings you bear against me. Would he justi- 
fy you ? Or suppose I am removed by death, before 
your return, and leave you with this malice in your 
heart, to carry on with you to your grave ! Is this right 
for neighbors, and Christians ? Think a moment, dear 
brother." 



SERMON AT NANTICOKE POINT. 283 

It took the other but a moment, rough and petulant 
though he was, to see, and feel the force of this appeal. 
His breast heaved, his eyes became dim with gushing 
tears, and walking aft, he gave his hand in pledge of 
love, as a conquered man, to his Christian neighbor. 

He stepped on board again, and ratified the act of re- 
conciliation by kneeling down, and offering prayer and 
thanks to God while the other sobbed, and said " amen." 
They never had a misunderstanding afterwards, but were 
knit together in bonds of strong and mutual affection. 

Brother Thomas was equally successful when called in 
to mediate between parties estranged by temporary 
difficulties, or when, as was generally the case, he vol- 
unteered to arbitrate cases and reconcile brethren who 
were divided in opinion or interest, until their respective 
families were not on terms of friendship. He had one 
protracted siege of this kind. Concessions were sug- 
gested, and carried between the parties, until one of 
them absolutely refused to negotiate any farther, and 
ordered the man of peace to desist from troubling him. 

This was a sad turn of affairs, but did not discourage 
the soul of Brother Thomas. He prayed, and fasted 
before the Lord, over this perplexing case, and had a 
dream one night bearing upon it. 

Early next morning he hastened to the obstinate 
party, and reached the house before the breakfast hour. 
He was asked to join the family at the morning meal, 
but said he could not partake until he had told his dream, 
and prayed with them ; to this arrangement consent was 
given, and during the narration of his singular dream 
and while engaged in prayer, the heart of his neighbor 



284 THE PAESON OF THE ISLANDS. 

was touched. At first lie felt ashamed of his uncom- 
promising and selfish conduct, then began to mourn his 
sin before the Lord, then fell to weeping, and promising 
any and every concession, towards a speedy settlement 
of existing difficulties. 

In this mood Brother Thomas left him, and forgetful 
of the waiting repast, ran at once across the fields for 
the other party, and returned bringing him along. They 
met, rushed into each other's arms, and became fast 
friends, while he went off in a great shout, during which 
they all became "high," and gave God the glory. 

Instances of this kind illustrate the man's sincerity 
of heart, and show his value in such a community as that, 
which from its peculiar complexion afforded him ample 
scope for his benevolent interference, as the representa- 
tive of a peaceful gospel, and a peace-promoting Saviour ; 
among men, who, from the circumstances surrounding 
them, and the nature of their business, were often 
brought into competition and collision, unchecked by 
calm and sober reflection. 

"What will become of us now?" said an old citizen 
of Deal's Island, and a remarkably wicked man, when 
the not unlooked for tidings of the old Parson's death 
ran like an electric thrill through the community. " What 
will become of us ?" 

"Why?" asked the person addressed. "In what re- 
spect?" 

"Why!" said the other. "I fear we shall go to 
ruin!" 

"Hope not," replied he. "What makes you think 
so?" 



SERMON AT NANTICOKE POINT. 285 

" I think so, because we are so bad and wicked, and 
there is now nobody to pray for us as lie did, and watch 
over us with the anxiety of a father." 

This man became deeply concerned, and, it was ob- 
served, for some time attended the house of God more 
punctually than he had ever done before. 

The religious history of the Island, since he first made 
it his place of abode, until the present, would be a curi- 
ous and correct illustration of the idea he occasionally 
advanced with reference to the Devil's untiring contest, 
to keep possession of that place originally called by his 
name. 

It was the first care of Brother Thomas to " pray 
him off" the little Deal's Island, the place of his own 
family residence. He had a place in the tall sedge 
grass, and a well-worn path leading to it, which he called 
his " closet in the field." There he spent many an hour, 
pouring out his soul, and seeking help and success in his 
humble endeavors to extend among his neighbors and 
their children the fear of the Lord and a knowledge of 
his name. 

Whenever an impression would strike him to go and 
pray, if at work in his field, or building a canoe at his 
landing, he would drop his hoe, or leave his plough or 
plane, and be off to the silent sanctuary, and there hid- 
den from view wait upon God until he should renew his 
strength. 

He stated on one occasion, that he thought he had a call, 
but could not determine with clearness whether it was the 
Spirit's voice. If it was, it came only in a " small, still" 
accent, and he resolved to go anyhow. He had not been 



286 THE PASSON OF THE ISLAXDS. 

at this "Bethel" but a few moments until his soul was 
overflowed with Divine influence, and he concluded if 
God gave him such a great blessing, from a slight call, 
it was an encouraging token that obedience to louder 
and more distinct drawings that way would bring corres- 
pondingly increased enlargement of soul, and greater 
manifestations of saving and sanctifying power. 

In this exercise, he believed Satan received notice to 
quit, and entrenched himself the more firmly on the 
larger island. But his fortifications were often assailed, 
and his citadel taken. Revival after revival has but 
barely sufficed to keep the Church in a state of grace. 
Of late years the annual camp meeting is comparatively 
barren of results in strengthening the Church or adding 
largely to its numbers. The excellent preaching is ap- 
preciated, but the necessary prayer-meetings, altar work, 
and individual zeal, are not attended or exhibited, to that 
extent, that will warrant success. 

The immense influx of population, also, and the readi- 
ness with which money can be earned, has had a ten- 
dency of late, to sustain the usurper's sway, and encour- 
age immorality among the young. 

What the issue may be, as to the proprietorship of 
this place, whether it will be filled with righteousness or 
become an utter moral waste, will depend on God's Spirit 
poured out in answer to united, earnest, unwearied 
prayer, and a waking up to diligence in duty, by those 
on whom rests the responsibility ; or, failing to secure a 
perpetuation of the Divine presence, and "given over" 
to backsliding, money getting, and selfishness; it will 



SERMON AT NANTICOKE POINT. 287 

inevitably be the " Devil's" Island, at last, as it was 
nominally, at first. 

It might be a paradise on earth, and will be, if the 
Church is faithful ; but, if not, a forgotten God, a for- 
saken Saviour, will say, "Let him alone." Which, may 
God, in infinite mercy, forbid. 

The writer would never have assumed such an under- 
taking as this, but that the devoted Thomas through 
such means might revisit every house, and speak to every 
heart, in this favored locality, words whereby sinners 
may be saved, and believers quickened in the race for 
eternal life, and be led nearer to God in holy living. 



288 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 



CHAPTER XX. 

Severn Mister — An invalid Captain — Prayer on the road side — The day of 
miracles — Signal answer — Wonderful faith — Strange dream — Premonition 
— Three young men drowned — Grief for the lost — Bodies found — Funeral 
sermon — Rev. V. Smith — A delicate subject — Sympathy — Words of warn- 
ing — Casualties among the watermen — "Be ye also ready." 

Severn Mister was a prominent and wealthy citizen 
of Deal's Island for many years, and was on very inti- 
mate terms with Father Thomas. Their friendship con- 
tinued after Captain M. removed to the western shore 
of Virginia, where he settled in Northumberland County. 

He was at one time involved in a protracted law suit, 
to recover property which he claimed from another, and 
the parson being acquainted with the case, was called 
upon to leave his home, cross the bay, and attend a 
session of the county court, as an important witness for 
his old friend. 

In connection with this transaction, some of the most 
remarkable events in his history are found. 

He was expecting a vessel to be sent over, to convey 
him to the court which was about to convene. It was in 
the month of March, 1843. The appointed day ap- 
proached and do vessel came. 



REMARKABLE EVENTS. 289 

He had given his promise to be there, and as he never 
violated a promise, if within the range of possibility to 
fulfill it, he became very restive under these circum- 
stances. 

When he could wait no longer for the expected con- 
veyance, he set about providing a passage on his own 
account; and one afternoon, started up the island to 
make inquries. He ascertained that there was a schooner 
in the harbor belonging to Captain P., which was at the 
time unemployed, and might be secured. Her captain, 
however, was at the time an invalid at home, and had 
been unable to attend to any business for some time. 
His complaint was something like a severe rheumatic 
affection, and confined him, in a crippled condition, to his 
fireside. 

Weary of his confinement, he, with great effort, 
hobbled out on this particular day, as far as the public 
road, leading up the island, and sat down to rest a 
moment after his painful, though short journey. While 
there, Brother Thomas appeared in sight, hurrying 
towards him. As soon as he came up, he stated his 
business, which was, that Captain P. should have his 
vessel ready at an early hour next morning, and take 
him across to Northumberland. 

" Can't do it," said Mr. P. 

"I must go" said he, "I have engaged to be at my 
old Brother Mister's to-morrow. I know of no other 
way to get there. Now get ready, and let us start 
early." 

"Why," said the other, "I am hardly able to return 
to my house, let alone — going across the bay." 
19 



290 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

"What is the matter with you, brother?" asked 
Brother T. 

"Matter? I have severe pains in my back, and am 
almost helpless with rheumatism." 

"Would you go to-morrow, if you felt clear of your 
pains, and in your usual good health ?" 

"That I would," said he. 

"Very well," said the persevering man. "I will 
pray to God to cure you, and he will do it ; for he knows 
I must keep my promise, and this is my only chance." 

By this time, two or three of the neighbors had 
joined the party, and were interestedly listening to the 
dialogue. 

The afflicted captain smiled at the proposal, and 
seemed incredulous as to the result of prayer. The 
others laughed at what they considered one of the old 
man's vagaries; but he sternly reproved their rising 
levity, telling them, he believed in the power of God to 
accomplish all things, and that He could in a moment 
cure his friend, the impotent captain. 

They admitted this, but intimated that the day of 
miracles had ceased, and the "Son of man" was not 
now on earth, to work such a wonder. 

"Let us try the power of prayer, right here," said 
Brother Thomas. " Come let us now call on the Lord 
in faith." 

He immediately dropped on his knees, and the others 
could not well avoid following his example. There 
they were, on the public road side, feeling very much 
surprised as they, too, bowed in the attitude of supplica- 
tion. 



REMARKABLE EVENTS. 291 

Their disposition to laugh at the position so unex- 
pectedly assumed, was soon dissipated by the solemn 
tones of the man of prayer. 

He began by rehearsing the nature of his business, 
the importance of the case, in which he was to appear 
as a witness, and the fact, that his God had never yet 
deserted him in extremity, or disappointed him in prayer. 

"Now, Lord," said he, here is poor Brother P with 

a severe backache, and he has suffered considerably from 
his pains. I have no other prospect of fulfilling my 
promise, as thou knowest, but in his immediate recovery. 
I believe in thy great power. I trust in thy good 
providence. Thou wilt not suffer me to violate my word, 
or fail to help in this time of need. Now grant to cure 
this thy crippled servant, that he may take me across 
the bay. Lord ! thou art able ; do the work, and I 
will go home and make ready to leave in the morning. 
Amen !" 

Up he rose, and. said to Captain P. : "Now go home 
and you will be all right in the morning. I will expect 
you at the landing, or meet you at the vessel. Be sure 
you are there." 

The Captain was still incredulous, but promised, if he 
was well, to be on hand. Brother Thomas hurried back 
home, full of faith in his power with God. The other 
also returned, and weary with his walk, soon retired, and 
fell asleep. 

At a very early hour next morning he awoke to con- 
sciousness, and the first distinct thoughts that entered 
his mind, were of the road side prayer, the faith of Brother 
Thomas, and his own promised recovery. With this, he 



292 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

turned himself over, and found to his astonishment the 
pain all gone ! 

After various stretchings and experiments, he could 
not doubt his complete and effectual cure ; and remem- 
bered, in this connection, the promise he had given to be 
at his vessel at an early hour. 

He called his good wife, and told her all the circum- 
stances, proposing to her, as he had to cross the bay, 
to get ready, and take a trip with them. She arose and 
prepared to go, wondering not a little at this whole pro- 
ceeding. 

On reaching his vessel in the harbor, Captain P. found 
Parson Thomas already on board ! There he stood, with 
a twinkle in his eye, indicating his entire satisfaction 
with the course of events so far, and certain ropes and 
sails all adjusted, and ready for a speedy departure. " I 
knew you would be well," said he, " and now you see 
what God can do." 

They quickly made sail, and were under way down 
the Sound, with a stiff breeze, and a somewhat rough 
sea, from the effects of a severe blow, which occurred 
the day before. "Now be very careful," said Brother 
Thomas, " for something is surely going to happen, or 
has happened, in which we are deeply interested." 

This admonition alarmed the captain, who inquired 
as to the reasons for what his passenger had just told 
him. 

"I had a strange dream last night, brother," he said, 
" and it makes me fear some trouble ahead. I dreamed 
that I was upset in the water, and was trying to scramble 



REMARKABLE EVENTS. 293 

up on a vessel's bottom, and that others were in distress 
around me. So, be careful." 

This statement and warning made the captain waver 
in his purpose to proceed ; until the other assured him, 
" It won't be us ; you need not fear that. We shall be 
taken care of; but it is always wise and right to exercise 
caution." 

In due time they arrived at their destination, and were 
warmly welcomed by Brother Mister and his family. 
The business on -which they came over, was to be at- 
tended to next day ; meantime inquiries were made about 
a vessel despatched the previous day, with Capt. Mister's 
three sons on board, to convey Brother Thomas from 
Deal's Island to Virginia. No such vessel had arrived 
there, or had been discerned on the bay, or in any of 
its harbors, that they had been able to identify. This 
intelligence awakened much concern in the minds of the 
family, and deep anxiety in that of Brother Thomas. 
He thought of his dream, and felt more alarm than he 
considered it prudent to express. 

The case was viewed in every possible aspect. It was 
remarked that the boys went out in a gale, and were 
overtaken by a snow storm, which swept the bay the 
day before. It was remembered that they were hardy, 
adventurous, and thorough seamen, as far as disregard 
of danger, and a manly defiance of hardship was con- 
cerned. Some one added, that they crowded on all sail, 
and as they disappeared in the blinding snow storm, 
were seen to be making fearful headway over the surging 
waters. 

These considerations gathered force, and gave strength 



294 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

to the agonizing suspicion that they were lost ! This 
dreadful thought made all the family intensely anxious. 
Old Brother Mister wrung his hands, and walked the 
floor all night, crying, " My sons ! my sons I my noble 
boys are lost ! — they are gone ! gone ! !" 

It was a distressing night, but relieved somewhat by 
the prayers offered, as Brother Thomas assembled the 
family around its domestic altar ; or uttered every word 
of probability and hope he could command, to relieve 
their dark uncertainty, and terrible forebodings. 

The proceedings of the Court, however, admitted of 
no delay, and called off the attention of Brothers Thomas 
and Mister for a while from the subject that gave them 
so much agony. The trial came on, the case was decided 
in favor of Mister ; but, though he had spent his energies 
and means for years to secure this desirable result, his 
victory was embittered by this greatest calamity of his 
life. He returned to his stricken home, only to find that 
all search had been fruitless, and no intelligence of the 
safety or fate of his sons had been gained. 

One hope only remained. They might have been 
driven outside the Capes, and have boldly steered for 
the open sea. If so, they would run in again at the first 
favorable opportunity. Days and weeks passed away 
and they did not come. Every harbor was searched, and 
every source of information applied to, but still these 
young men were missing. Soon the last ray of hope 
expired in the tidings that the vessel had been seen bot- 
tom upwards in the bay. 

In that raging storm, these three adventurous, promis- 
ing, but, alas ! irreligious young* men, went down ; and 



REMARKABLE EVENTS. 295 

it might have been, and probably was, about the moment 
when, in the "visions of the night," Brother Thomas 
had a startling view of the mode by which they perished. 

The event spread a sickening sense of bereavement 
over the hearts of that large circle of friends connected 
with the family, and shocked the entire community where 
those fine young men were known, up and down the 
waters of the Chesapeake. 

The most intolerable thought connected with their 
sudden call into eternity was the fact that they had not 
been known as "on the Lord's side." This, in the brim- 
ming cup of their stricken father's grief, was the most 
bitter drop of all. Not merely lost to him and to society, 
but, as he would exclaim, "lost forever !" 

He brooded over this until reason almost became un- 
settled on its throne, and existence itself, to him, was a 
burden. In his racked anxieties he would recall their 
childhood, review their youth, and linger over the traits 
of character which distinguished those sons. 

He had taught them of God and heaven. He had led 
them to the house of prayer, and to the camp meeting, 
where they heard the invitations of redeeming love. A 
thousand times had he borne them to a throne of grace 
in prayer ; but, like those of Eli's house, they were rest- 
less under holy restraints, and willfully chose their own 
way. Now came the question, as they were suddenly 
cut off, was it "without remedy?" When going down, 
they called on their father's God ; was it a fruitless cry, 
finding no response in that Being, whom they had not 
served in their youth? Had he "cast them off forever?" 
Or, did they find a long suffering Saviour, in the hour 



29G EBB PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

of their peril, and, like Peter, sinking, cast themselves 
on His power, which, "to the uttermost," can save? 

<; May be so," whispered hope, as it tinged the dreary 
cloud with a gleam, and came to keep the hearts of those 
mourning parents from breaking under the pressure of 
their anguish. 

In a short time one of the bodies wa3 recovered, then 
another: and, almost simultaneously, the third was found 
by Brother Thomas and the circuit preacher on their 
way across from Holland's Island, after holding service 
there. 

Side by side the remains of those three young men, 
Richard, Lowder, and David Mister, were buried, and 
over each, a stone erected, to tell the name, and record 
the date of that dark day in which they lost, with all 
its opening hopes and joys, their place among the living. 

The occasion was suitably improved by a funeral ser- 
mon preached by the Rev. Vaughan Smith, from the 
text: " Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the 
desire of thine eyes with a strolce /" kc, Ezekiel xxiv. 
16. 

There was an immense crowd in attendance. The 
preacher felt all the delicacy and responsibility of his 
position ; and avoiding, almost entirely, any allusion to 
the dead, except their sudden summons into the eternal 
state, where their spirits had met, and were in the hands 
of a just and merciful God; he pressed home upon the 
living the obvious lessons of such a startling event ; and 
vindicated the Divine character, under whose omniscient 
control, all pervading power, and inscrutable will, rest 
the issues of life and death ; leaving man to learn sub- 



REMARKABLE EVENTS. 297 

mission and wisdom ; and, avoiding that presumption 
which would say unto God, " What doest thou ?." meekly 
bow and bless his name, in the faith which, unquestion- 
ing, exclaims, " It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth 
Mm right," and, " Good is the will of the Lord." 

After the discourse was ended, the desolate and af- 
flicted father made some remarks which indicated the 
depth of sorrow in his lacerated heart. 

He unthinkingly reflected in some bitter words on the 
preacher, (who did not and could not, at that time, argue 
out the probabilities of his children's safety.) His poor, 
yearning spirit longed for light on this impenetrable 
problem ; and, compassionating his affliction, the multi- 
tude dispersed in tears and sympathy, strongly im- 
pressed by the sermon they had listened to, and which, 
at this day, many can still distinctly recall, as a most 
judicious and timely effort under peculiar circumstances. 

The impressible nature of Brother Thomas drank in 
the wormwood of his old friend's sorrow. He wept with 
him, and, to relieve the dark doubt that, like a poisoned 
arrow, embittered his life, he unwisely attempted to 
know, by an impression from the Lord, the fate and con- 
dition of those departed spirits. 

This, we must say, was one of the mistakes of his char- 
itable and impulsive nature. He fasted and waited in 
prayer for days, — musing, at intervals, on the ways of 
God, and setting in array the promises of his word, as a 
foundation for hope. 

That salvation is possible at any moment this side the 
dread boundary of time — that some in the eleventh, or 
last hour, have been reached and redeemed ; and that 



298 THE PARSON OP THE ISLANDS. 

the God who keeps "mercy for thousands," and "will 
not that any should perish," might have interposed to 
save in the case under consideration, was all plain to his 
mind. Here he founded a hope, and clinging to it, was 
enabled by easy transition to believe and rejoice. 

He therefore encouraged Brother Mister, who grate- 
fully accepted the consolation offered him. But Bro- 
ther Thomas ventured, in this case, on a realm which 
mortals are forbid to invade, and mooted a subject, vailed 
from human vision by the all-wise Deity. 

Of this he was convinced subsequently by Mr. Smith, 
for whose ability he entertained the highest respect. 
His exposition of the question of human accountability 
and duty, with its appropriate scope and settled limita- 
tions, Brother Thomas accepted and ever afterwards 
remembered. 

This whole matter would have been designedly over- 
looked by the writer, but for the reason that a revival 
of. the harrowing memories of that event, may, and 
doubtless will, in this connection, prove a standing 
beacon to the many — oh ! how many ! who are pursuing 
the perilous life of a sailor, in jeopardy every hour, and 
yet, "having no hope, and without God in the world." 

Sons of pious mothers and praying fathers ! will you 
risk not only your own souls, but the terrible adventure 
in case of your untimely death — of filling their cup with 
blank, hopeless grief, to bring them down in sorrow to 
the grave ? 

A " chapter of accidents" might be compiled from the 
events of every year, in the vicinity for which, and of 
which these are written, revealing many a heart-sadden- 



REMARKABLE EVENTS. 299 

ing, and hopeless termination of life, by exposure to 
casualties, and too great a recklessness in danger. 

The most gloomy feature of the record would be, not 
merely the homes left desolate and friends bereaved, or 
the anticipations which naturally wreath in bloom the 
future of enterprising youth, with prospective joy ; but 
wicked lives, without a moment's warning, dashed out 
into a dread eternity; and souls, priceless beyond all 
comparison, sinking down forever without accepting the 
hope which a divine Saviour offers, in the day of gra- 
cious visitation. 

Let the unconverted reader pause, and ponder the 
momentous subject of sudden death ! " Let the wicked 
forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts ; 
and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have 
mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abun- 
dantly pardon." 

" Now God invites ; how blest the day ! 

How sweet the gospel's charming sound ! 
Come, sinner, haste — oh haste away ! 
"While yet a pardoning God is found." 



300 THE PAKSON OF THE ISLANDS. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

Range of travel — Camp Meeting visits — Impulse — "I am saved" — Sermon 
on fashion — Rev. E. J. Way — The Devil's things — Love conquers — Fish- 
ing lines — Getting tangled — Satan's ways — Socrates — Rev. W. Quinn — 
The School-house meeting — An enraged young man — His sudden death — 
Presumption fatal — Danger of displeasing God— Stingy people — An ox 
lost — The law of giving — Pay and pray — Good measure — Rockawalking 
— Following the best light — Christian fellowship — No sects in heaven — 
Opposition to revivals — Help one another — Attends church service — Makes 
a " joyful noise" — Transcends prayer book proprieties. 

The range of Parson Thomas' travels and labors, dur- 
ing the years immediately preceding that affliction which 
confined him to the limited sphere of the Island, was 
quite extensive ; embracing all the camp meetings 
from Dorchester County, Md., to the eastern shore of 
Virginia, and several places across the Chesapeake 
Bay. 

He so arranged his time in summer, that he could 
visit six to eight, and sometimes ten, in the course of one 
season, always allowing himself a full week at his own 
Island meeting, where he was every year a tent-holder, 
and an efficient manager. 

His family tent stood next to that occupied by the 
preachers, and his table never was without some of them 



INCIDENTS. 301 

at the daily meals. The amount of labor and care he 
assumed, was extraordinary. 

At the commencement of the meeting he settled dis- 
putes between the people about choice places for tents ; 
while the meeting progressed, he included in his over- 
sight the outsiders, among whom his mild manner was 
an eifectual check to boisterous levity, or exciting de- 
bate ; and the altar work, to which he always paid par- 
ticular attention. 

To visit neighboring meetings, after his own closed, 
was a great means of recruiting his wasted energies of 
body and mind, and enlarging his stock of experience, 
with regard to men and things. Traces of his journey- 
ings are still distinct in nearly every neighborhood, 
within the extremes mentioned. We have only to refer 
to his name, to open the fountains of grateful memory, 
and gather the facts of his life, as they are reported by 
those who hung upon his strangely interesting ministry, 
at Witipquin, Nanticoke, and Rockawalking ; Curtis' 
Chapel, Colbourn's Creek, and Acco'mac ; and numerous 
other places more remote. 

His movements were sometimes as rapid, and his 
manner as impressive as that of the eccentric Lorenzo 
Dow ; though two men, in most respects, could not well 
be conceived more dissimilar in character. 

When he arrived at a camp meeting, and was invited 
to preach, he would not positively consent, until he felt 
an impression, and received a text from the Lord. At 
Ebenezer, on a certain occasion, the preacher in charge 
assigned him an appointment ; but he was undecided, until 
a few moments before entering the stand, as to whether 



302 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

it was his duty to preach at that time, and would not 
have attempted it, had he not obtained what he believed 
to be the concurrence of the Spirit, and a special subject 
of discourse. 

So in exhortation. He obeyed the impulse, when it 
came to 7ii?n, and at such times his word was with power. 
He had an impression one day while a minister was 
preaching, that his old friend^ Rev. Henry White, must 
follow in exhortation. He told him to be ready ; but 
Brother W. shook his head. Thomas insisted, and urged 
the matter so earnestly, that, rather than hurt his feel- 
ings, the good Elder yielded, and was most powerfully 
aided and blest while exhorting the people. It was one 
of the best and most effective efforts of this man of God. 
At its close Brother T. was happy, and remarked, " I 
thought he would come out right !" 

When feebleness and pain unfitted him for active 
service, he still claimed the privilege to speak, when he 
felt moved to do so. "At a camp meeting on Deal's 
Island," says Rev. E. J. Way, "the old man was carried 
into the stand one morning, and heard a powerful dis- 
course by Brother V. Smith from Jer. viii. 20. " The har- 
vest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved." 
He remained quiet and thoughtful, during and after the 
discourse. Again, at afternoon service he was present ; 
and while one of the brethren was preaching, he inti- 
mated that at the close, if he was to be allowed, or 
expected to say anything at that meeting, he felt this to 
be the time. When the preacher finished, he was as- 
sisted to stand up, and leaning over the Bible-board, he 
surveyed the congregation for a moment ; then, without 



INCIDENTS. 303 

any allusion to the subject just presented, he seemed to 
recall the text and sermon of Brother Smith that pre- 
ceded it, and in a tremulous voice began to say : 

" Friends and brethren, you see here a poor, feeble, 
broken down man. My harvest is very nearly past ; my 
summer is almost gone ! The brighter days of my youth 
and strength have fled ; the evening of weakness and 
weariness has come ; my opportunities have been many, 
but they are getting few ; my sun will soon go down ; 
I am hastening to the grave — but, hallelujah ! I am 

SAVED !" 

That was enough. The word took hold, and a thrill 
ran over the people, that affected some to weeping, 
others to unbounded joy, and all with a sense of the 
" unction of the Holy One." God was in it. 

Brother Way relates, among other incidents, an inter- 
view he had with Brother T. when he was but young in 
the itinerancy. He had preached a sermon on the evil 
tendencies of fashion, and was very pointed and severe 
on the inconsistencies of professors generally. He 
showed the absurdity of that taste which seeks gratifica- 
tion in tinsel baubles, and fantastic apparel. When he 
met Brother Thomas in the preachers' tent, a short time 
afterwards, the good man took him aside, and said, 
" Brother, if you want to get sinners converted, let the 
devil's things alone. Don't make his people mad by 
ridiculing their follies, or they will not love you, nor can 
you persuade them to come to the altar. The way I 
do, is to get these poor creatures converted, and made 
happy in religion, before I raise a quarrel with them and 
their cunning old master. The best way to loose his 



304 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

hold, and oust him from their vain hearts, is to show 
them what is so much better than all his pleasures — the 
love of Jesus." 

He also told a little "circumstance," which proved 
conclusively his point : "I was talking to a mourner," 
said he, " and there came near the bench one of these 
young butterflies, to watch the weeping penitent. She 
had ear -bobs, finger rings, flowers, and finery, without 
stint. Now if I had begun to tell her to take off her 
rings, and throw away her jewelry, she would have said, 
l I wont V I knew this and said not a word against the 
devil's things ; but reached out and took hold of her hand. 
I said, ' Daughter, do you love Jesus ?' her countenance 
fell. I then said ; ' If you do not, oh ! what a pity it is, 
for he loves you, and died on the cross to redeem you 
from sin and hell.' At this she burst out crying. 'Come,' 
said I, f give your poor heart to God to-clay ! Seek him 
while he may be found ;' and, brother, down she fell by 
the side of the other mourner, and was soon converted; 
then she loved these things no longer. Her heart was 
set on Jesus." 

When Rev. L. (now Bishop Scott) was Presiding Elder 
on the Peninsula, Brother Thomas was frequently at the 
places where he preached, and occasionally exhorted 
after him. Once at a camp meeting the Bishop delivered 
one of his very clear, convincing, and effective discourses. 
It evidently made the Island preacher feel his own little- 
ness in comparison. "But," said he, rising to speak, 
" there must needs be great preachers, and small fry, 
like our fishing lines down yonder on the islands. Some 
are great long ones, and some are little short ones. I 



INCIDENTS. 305 

once went out with a neighbor to fish ; he had one of 
those big lines, and would swing it and throw it (suiting 
the action) away off yonder. I had a short line, and 
dropped it out near the canoe, and I caught as many fish 
as he did ! His line would sometimes become tangled 
and his fish escape, but I had no trouble in pulling them 
in. So with preachers and exhorters ; the great point is 
to catch the fish; and, brethren, if some of us cannot 
throw out as long a line as others, let us not be discour- 
aged ; for, if we are faithful and holy, our Master will 
bless our labors, and give us souls for our hire." 

" That he will," said the good Bishop, who enjoyed 
the illustration greatly. 

At another time the same preacher officiated, and at 
the close Brother Thomas remarked, " Friends, our good 
Brother Scott has told you much about the ways of the 
Lord : let me finish by telling you something of the ways 
of the devil ! It seems to me we ought not to be ' igno- 
rant of his devices,' but well posted, and completely for- 
tified against our common enemy." He gave the people 
several illustrations of the power, malignity, and cease- 
less influence of this " deceiver," and closed by quoting 
the stanza : 

" Leave no unguarded place ; 
No weakness of the soul ; 
Take every virtue, every grace, 
And fortify the whole." 

Still another anecdote of his intimacy with our excel- 
lent Bishop, is current in Annamessex. 

The sermon embraced the subject of Saul's journey to 
20 



306 THE PARSON OP THE ISLANDS. 

Damascus, and when the preacher referred to the wonderful 
light which appeared, he said he was not sure whether it 
was outside and around him, or within him, — "Both, 
brother!" said Mr. Thomas. "Yes," said he, "very 
likely, brother, you are right !" 

A remark he once made while listening to a sermon 
from Rev. W. Quinn, is remembered, and often repeated. 
Brother Quinn was preaching on the hope and assurance 
of believers, and quoted the words of Socrates, when his 
friends were leaving him to die : " You are going to 
your friends, and I am going to die : which is best, the 
gods only know: no man does." "Bless God, brother," 
said he, "I know more than he did! I can say, 'For 
me to die is gain.' " 

He and Brother Quinn were intimate for many years, 
and were often brought by circumstances together. They 
were returning one night in company from a camp meet- 
ing, which was held at Wesleyville, beyond Snow Hill, 
and found themselves somewhat bewildered in the matter 
of a stopping place, as it had become quite dark. They 
drove on, however, until they came upon a light, and as- 
certained that they were at a school house, where a 
prayer meeting was about being held. They determined 
to remain for the meeting, Brother Thomas remarking 
that " perhaps God had something for them to do there." 

The people, having ascertained who they were, invited 
them to conduct the meeting. Brother Quinn preached 
an awakening sermon. Thomas followed with an invita- 
tion to persons present, who might be under concern 
about their salvation, to come forward for prayer. 

A bench was provided, and several bowed there as 



INCIDENTS. 307 

penitent inquirers ; among them a young lady who was 
much engaged, until interrupted by her brother, who 
came up rudely to take her away. Brother Thomas 
talked very kindly to him, and tried to persuade him to 
desist from the course he was pursuing. No, he consid- 
ered it to be humiliating and disgraceful for his sister to 
be at a mourners' bench, and with vile words he ordered 
her to leave. " Young man," said Brother Thomas, "you 
are acting wrong in this matter. Take care how you 
displease Almighty God ; for he could kill you and send 
you into eternity in less than three weeks." The young 
man appeared to be reckless of consequences, and paid 
no attention to the admonition. 

In less than one week after this time, that young man 
was cut off from among the living. He had gone to his 
home in a rage, boasted of his prowess in withstanding 
the preacher, and moved on in his prayerless condition ; 
until, in a few days, he was out in the woods cutting 
timber, and a tree fell on him and killed him. 

This startling event, when viewed in connection with 
his conduct at the meeting, and the warning of the good 
man, who tried to persuade him to "cease to do evil," 
created a great sensation in the neighborhood. It was 
conjectured by many that Brother Thomas was in some 
indirect way accessory to this visitation, from the fact 
that he merely stated a possibility, remembering the 
predicted fate of all who harden their neck — that they 
shall "suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy." 

A number of instances might be given, where, in the 
workings of Divine providence, those who crossed his 
way, or spurned his message, were made to remember it 



308 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

with deep regret. Before his death, lie stated to a 
preacher that he had become afraid, almost, to ask a 
favor for himself or his God — in the form of contribu- 
tions to the cause of religion or obedience of heart and 
life to the Divine will — and be refused: for in many 
cases he had seen the interposition of that hand that 
shapes the ends of men; vindicating the claims of God 
to all that human beings held, and called their own. 

He could point to cases, where persons, made aware 
of a brother's need, or solicited for aid to some religious 
enterprise, had closed their ears and their pockets to the 
call: had met with calamity or loss — sweeping away from 
their selfish grasp a hundred fold more than the amount 
solicited. He knew from observation and experience 
that the Bible rule was safe and right. "There is that 
which scattereth and yet increaseth, and that which with- 
holdeth and it tendeth to poverty," and also, "He that 
soweth sparingly, shall reap also sparingly."' 

' ; Tou had better pay what you owe the Lord," he 
would say. "or he will have it out of you in some way." 

A man on one occasion had been solicited by him for 
a contribution to the missionary cause, and refused to 
give. He was urged by every consideration, but believed 
: he had was his own, and laughed at the foolishness, 
as he termed it, of those who "threw away" their money 
for such purposes. On returning from the meeting he 
found a valuable ox drowned in a ditch ! " There now." 
— he was forced to admit. "Old Thomas was right. 
Had I given a dollar, I might have saved my ox. and 
not lost twenty by his death !" 

He pictured Yi ays in which stingy Christians, 



INCIDENTS. 309 

by placing themselves in array against the mandate 
" Give," should find out their mistake and meet with un- 
looked for loss. He said he never lost by his labors, and 
time, given to the service of his heavenly Master, and 
believed it to be as much the duty of men to 'pay, as it 
was to pray ; for praying is dull work and very often 
fruitless, unless we have a heart to "praise" as well, for 
the rich blessings of God's mercy and love. " Give and 
it shall be given you, good measure pressed down, shaken 
together, running over!" 

An exhortation he delivered at Rockawalking, many 
years ago, is often referred to by those who were present 
on the occasion. He was discoursing about the different 
denominations, and their relation to the general Church 
of Christ. "Not one branch of the true Vine," said he, 
a but brings forth some good fruit. I love all the people 
who love my God in sincerity ; but I love the Methodists 
a little more than any other. 

" The reason of" this I will show you. I always tried 
to follow the best light, wherever it could be found. 

"When I grew up, the best light I had was the good 
old prayer book, and I followed it, trying to conform to 
its devotional requirements. Then the Baptists came 
along, and I heard them preach with more earnestness 
and spirituality, and pray with more directness, than the 
church preachers; I tried to obtain some of their light, 
and it helped me on. But when I became acquainted 
with the Methodist people, I was convinced they had the 
best and most, both of light and power; for under their 
influence, the Holy Spirit reached me, the scales fell 
from my eyes. I first saw men as trees walking, but 



310 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

soon the glorious Sun of Righteousness shone upon my 
heart, and that light was ' marvelous' and glorious ! 

" Now if I knew any better light, I would forsake all, 
and follow it ; for we are advised to ' prove all things, 
hold fast that which is good.' 

" But I think I cannot hear more sound saving doctrine, 
than you preach, brethren ; nor do I wish any higher 
privileges than you afford me — I wish our people lived 
up to them better. No brighter, happier day, do I ex- 
pect to share, than a good day at a Methodist camp 
meeting where the people are alive, and God is wor- 
shiped in the 'beauty of holiness' — until I reach the 
City above, and walk the golden streets. 

" In that place, however, we shall drop these names, 
and all be one glorified company of sinners redeemed 
through the precious blood of Jesus. 

" Names, and sects, and parties fall ; 
Only Christ is all in all !" 

" Now, understand, I hope to meet people there out of 
every profession and place in all this world ; and while 
here, I want my good Presbyterian and Episcopal bre- 
thren to help me, and to let me help them, and we will 
both get along the better by doing so. I am sorry that 
some of these nice people who come to our meetings 
stand off, and do not approve of the altar work, or shout- 
ing < Glory' when we are happy. Why, it is this very 
sort of work that is keeping them, as well as ourselves, 
alive in religion. "Were it not for these camp meetings, 
and good old-fashioned revivals, both your churches and 
ours would soon go down, or go back to the dry and 



INCIDENTS. 311 

barren days, which, we are told, prevailed in this country 
before the Methodists were known. 

" Come then, friends, when you warm yourselves, and 
light your lamps at our fire, do not be so unmerciful on 
us, as to go away and call it < wildfire!' You know 
better than that, for most of you, that have any religion, 
can remember where you first found it. Yes, right at 
our ' mourners' benches,' and at such meetings as this, you 
sought and found mercy. Let us then be friendly on 
earth, if we hope for heaven ; for our Lord won't allow 
any bigotry there." 

He surprised the people at this same place once by 
abruptly appearing on the ground, after he had bid 
them farewell, and was supposed to be on his way home. 

A lady, hearing that he was at the meeting, and wish- 
ing to see him, left home early one morning, and on the 
way to camp, met him near the ferry, — on his way to 
where he had left his canoe. He generally timed his 
departures to suit the tides. 

This lady reached the meeting, and in due time took 
her seat in the congregation, regretting that she had 
missed seeing Brother Thomas. To her surprise he was 
the first person she saw entering the stand. He told 
the people, when he reached his canoe, it came to him, 
to return, and wait another tide, as he had some things 
to say which had been forgotten in his previous exhor- 
tations. 

He happened into the "good old church," in the ways 
of which he had been brought up, on a certain occasion, 
some time after his conversion, and took his seat in the 
gallery. During the reading of the service, he startled 



312 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

the parson and congregation by his loud "Aniens," 
and a frequent utterance of "Glory!" at places where 
the book did not say so. The worshipers looked hard 
towards the corner where he was, but he seemed obli- 
vious to the proprieties which they thought desirable, 
and could not restrain a full heart from expression, as 
the beautiful and impressive prayers and psalms were 
said and sung. He obeyed to the letter that part of 
the prayer book which invited him to " make a joyful 
noise unto God," and "bless his name" — making "the 
voice of his praise to be heard" among the people ! 



SKETCHES. 313 



CHAPTER XXII. 

Letter from Rev. R. E. Kemp — First acquaintance with Joshua Thomas — 
Bishop Emory — Rev. Wm. Evans — Ross' Woods Camp Meeting — Ebene- 
zer — Rev. Wm. Spry — Serving God at home — Reminiscenes — Afflic- 
tions of the righteous — House burned — A " Cod send" — Truthfulness — 
He prays for wind — Shouts on the shore — Politics — Habits of prayer — 
Wm. Rea, Esq. — Stolen money restored — Last visit to the Island — Sacra- 
mental occasion — Lines to his memory. 

Rev. Robert E. Kemp writes the following sketch: — 
The name and fame of Joshua Thomas had reached 
my ears long before I was permitted to see the man and 
enjoy his acquaintance. I counted it as one of the anti- 
cipated pleasures of my itinerant life to be permitted in 
the course of providence to witness the zeal, piety, and 
great devotedness to God, which, from what I had heard 
of him, I was persuaded he eminently exhibited in his 
life and labors, in the cause of the Redeemer. 

The first time we met was during the Session of the 
Philadelphia Conference, at Philadelphia, in the spring 
of 1835. He came up that year for Elders' Orders, on 
a recommendation from Princess Anne Circuit, within 
the bounds of which he lived. The same year I was 
thought by my brethren eligible to that order in the 
church, and side by side with this good man of God, I 



314 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

stood before Bishop Emory, and was duly ordained by 
the imposition of hands, after a sermon by the Rev. Dr. 
Holdieh. I hare always regarded it as a privilege to 
hare been set apart for this office in company - . : "_. :i. e 
apostolic Joshua Thomas, and by that prince of Bishops, 
John Emory. 

Our intercourse at the conference was limited, and I 
was not much in his company until several years after- 
wards. 

In the summer of 1842, we met again at a camp meet- 
ing at Boss' Woods, near Seaford, Del., where we became 
more intimately acquainted. He came to the meeting 
in company with Brother Win. Evans of Smith's Island, 
a man greatly beloved for his work's sake, who accom- 
panied him on many a tour to distant places to advance 
the cause of the Master whom they served, and exhort 
sinners to embrace the free salvation of the gospel. 
The souls of these men were as the souls of David and 
Jonathan. 

At the meeting referred to, their united labors were much 
blessed of the Lord, and many are yet living in that vi- 
cinity who have not ceased to remember their "bory con- 
versation and godliner ; 

When the time came for their departure. E:::_t: 
Taylor, who had charge of the meeting, requested them 
to give the congregation a parting address at the morn- 
ing prayer-meeting. The Divine word informs us that 
u as iron sharpen eth iron, so does the countenance of a 
m an his friend, ' ' and this was abun c :.:.-'. - v r i£ r .'. : l 
this occasion. The people were edified and greatry 
quickened while these simple-hearted men exhorted them 



SKETCHES. 315 

to a holy life, and took the parting hand in pledge to 
meet again, where parting should be no more. As they 
ministered in spiritual things to us, the generous people 
showered upon them temporal things, to bless their bas- 
ket and their store, and showed by their tears and 
prayers for them, that they had a warm place in their 
hearts. 

Being appointed the next year to Cambridge Circuit 
with that truly devoted servant of God, Rev. Wm. Spry, 
we had again the pleasure of meeting Brother Thomas, 
who came to camp meeting, bringing his brethren, Wm. 
Evans and J. Parks, with him to aid in the work. It 
was truly a time of refreshing from the presence of the 
Lord, as these faithful laborers toiled in the stand, at the 
altar, and in the tents ; preaching, exhorting, praying, 
and talking about the religion of Christ, which in rich 
measure they themselves enjoyed. 

On leaving the ground they were accompanied to the 
shore by a great number of the people, and before they 
set sail we all joined in prayer, committing and com- 
mending them to the watchful providence of that God 
who had directed their course to the meeting and made 
them a blessing to many. 

It was on this occasion I first saw Brother Thomas' 
far-famed canoe, " The Methodist," in which he had 
made so many voyages to carry the glad tidings of salva- 
tion to distant places on the shores and islands of the 
Chesapeake, and to many points in Virginia, Maryland, 
and Delaware, where his visits and ministrations were al- 
ways held in the highest esteem by both preachers and 
people. 



316 TEE PARSOB II FHS I-1a::: ; . 

In this canoe, also, did lie carry or send the ministers 
ring on Princess Anne Circuit to their appointments 
Mi Smith's and Hollands Islands, and none who have 
had the happiness to be in his company on these trips 
could forget his conversation, or feel the time irksome 
while he was in their company. Many of those who 
r :e delighted passengers in the "Methodist" have now 
with him gained the port of peace, and are rejoicing in 
the light of the Lamb which is in the midst of the 
throne. 

A singular incident occurred at the Ebeneser camp 
meeting of the previous year, which shows the simplicity 
and earnestness of Brother Thomas' religious character. 
He had heard much of Brother Spry, and greatly longed 
to nirr: with him. Here they became acquainted, and 
their spirits blended in sweet sympathy while they la- 
bored in prayer for the conversion of souls. 

He watched Brother Spry very closely, an I 
though he thought no man living had greater cause :: 

e God than himself, or tried to love him better, yet it 
was impressed on his mind that good Brother Spry really 
did excel him in this grace. He had been invited to 
dine with Brother C . who. when the dinner-hour ar- 
rived, went in search of Lis guest, to bring him to hi3 
tent. After a long search he found him alone on his 
knees weeping. M Come,'' said Brother C, i; dinner is 
waiting, and I have been looking for you to come 
dine according to engagement." M No, brother," was Mr. 
T.'s reply. '• I cannot dine with yon to-day. I do not 
wish to eat. I am in affliction, and you must ex: 
me. I have thought there was none on earth that loved 



SKETCHES. 317 

my Lord more than I did ; but % this I find is not the 
case. I have been watching Brother Spry, and I am 
convinced he has greater love for my blessed Jesus than 
I have — and I cannot eat until I obtain more of the love 
of God shed abroad in my heart." 

How few do we find thus exercised in a holy rivalry 
to love and good works ! How many are content with 
that measure of religious enjoyment that barely prevents 
the apprehension of being lost, and may avail them to 
enter at last into the kingdom ; or are trying to see how 
little religion will save them from sin here, and wrath 
hereafter ! 

This was not the case with Brother Thomas, he ardent- 
ly desired to love the Lord his God with all his heart, 
mind, soul, and strength ; and in the fullest sense his 
neighbor as himself. He did not wish any to excel him 
in this character. There were but few indeed that did. 
If the general church of Christ was composed of such 
fervent and faithful Christians, how soon would she 
" come up out of the wilderness, clear as the sun ; fair 
as the moon ; and terrible as an army with banners," 
spreading life and light around, until the world would 
be speedily converted to God. 

Both the sainted Spry and the devoted Thomas have 
finished their work — fought their last battle, and have 
gone up to see the King in his beauty. Oh that their 
mantle may fall on those left behind ! 

During the summer of 1844, I again met with Brother 
Thomas, who, with J. Parks, paid his last visit to old 
Ebenezer. Infirmity had begun its work on his active 
limbs and robust frame. His exposure to cold and rain 



318 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

had brought on rheumatism, and greatly impaired his 
activity. But he could say with the man after God's 
own heart — " My heart and my flesh faileth, but thou 
art the strength of my' heart and my portion for ever." 

He took a final leave of the brethren of Cambridge 
Circuit at this camp meeting, and many were deeply 
affected, as he left the ground. I took him in my carriage 
to the shore where his canoe was in waiting, and after 
receiving his blessing saw him depart to his own home. 

Many from the old Ebenezer camp meetings, will rise 
up and call him blessed in the great day of eternity. 

At the Conference of 1849, 1 was appointed to Princess 
Anne Circuit, with Rev. Wm. Rink as my colleague, 
and on reaching this field of labor, made my arrange- 
ments to pay Deal's Island an early visit, that I might 
see Father Thomas at his own home, and renew the 
pleasant intercourse of former years with him there. 
After preaching on Sabbath morning at Rock Creek, 
and Deal's Island in the afternoon, I crossed the " tho- 
roughfare," which separates the little from the larger 
Island, early next morning, and had the pleasure of 
spending the entire day with him, before starting across 
the Sound to fill my appointments on Smith's Island. I 
found him seated in his large arm chair, to which he had 
been confined for some time : the Holy Book his com- 
panion, and his excellent wife, and affectionate sons 
ready to minister to him in every thing that tended to 
his comfort. 

My visit that day — and whenever subsequently I could 
spend a while under his roof — was a time of great spirit- 
ual refreshing and encouragement. 



SKETCHES. 319 

It is said, to know a man perfectly, you must live with 
him at the fireside, and be acquainted with his most 
private life. None could form a less favorable opinion 
of Father Thomas, by residing under his roof, and wit- 
nessing his daily and hourly devotion. I could not but 
be reminded of one of his own shrewd remarks, " If you 
can serve God at home, you can serve him anywhere;" 
during my two years as his pastor, he emphatically 
served Qod at home. 

His conversation was chiefly of a religious kind, and 
often turned on his youthful days, which he said were 
spent in great ignorance on the subject of true religion. 
He and his neighbors, though attentive to the teachings 
of the church, thought it not wrong to participate in the 
vain and sinful amusements of that day, such as dancing 
and frolicking. 

He remembered no real conviction for sin in his own 
mind, or among his neighbors, until brought in contact 
with Methodism. He referred to a meeting which he 
attended as a careless spectator, or prejudiced opposer 
of the work of the Lord, and dates his first serious im- 
pressions from what he then and there observed. The 
Holy Spirit came upon the people in mighty effusion ; 
many ran away, leaping out at the windows in their 
alarm. He was also inclined to run, but looking around 
to see who had fled, and who remained, he noticed that 
the best of the people staid under the influence, and the 
worst had run away. This moved him to remain among 
the praying ones. 

He related the impressions made on his mind at the 
first camp meetings he attended, and the novel and won- 



320 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

derful scenes witnessed then. His own conversion was 
an untiring theme with him ; also the rise and spread of 
religion on the islands among his neighbors and friends. 

The attempt you are making, my respected and much 
beloved brother Wallace, to portray those scenes of re- 
vival in which he bore so prominent a part, is a worthy 
one, and will be owned of God, in stirring up many who 
may have grown lukewarm, to greater zeal and diligence. 

All his own children, and many of his grand-children 
have been converted and gathered into that church he 
loved, and which honored him, as far as was possible, in 
its confidence and affection. May the generations of 
his posterity be useful and faithful, and walk in his foot- 
steps, as he "walked with God." 

The remarkable incidents of his life that I have heard 
from his own lips, would make a thrilling volume — how 
God provided for him in his poverty, defended him in 
danger, blessed him in prayer, and hundreds of times, 
as he verily believed, made even the elements and the 
laws of the natural world subservient to the safety and 
success of his humble servant. 

It is beyond all doubt, that the Divine hand was in a 
very signal manner with him. Such results, as no cal- 
culating, worldly mind could expect, were gained by his 
pleadings at the throne of heavenly grace. 

He delighted to speak of the ministers whom he had 
known, from Dr. Chandler down to modern times, and 
had his mind stored with many an anecdote about them, 
and the texts and sermons he heard from their lips. 

Chief among all the worthy names he cherished, was 
that of Brother Lawrenson, who was instrumental in 



SKETCHES. 321 

bringing him into the public work of the ministry, and in- 
structing him in the doctrines of the Bible, and the ways 
of religion. He could talk for hours of his travels and 
labors with this extensively useful minister. 

Brother Thomas valued camp meetings as being the 
chief means of grace. To his instrumentality belongs 
the credit of originating them on Tangier, and also on 
Deal's Island. At the former place he persisted in hold- 
ing them, sometimes even against the wishes of the offi- 
ciary of the circuit, and by the Divine blessing, his 
views were sustained and owned of God in doing great 
good. 

I heard him deliver the last sermon he ever preached 
at Deal's Island camp meeting, in August, 1850. He 
was seated in a small carriage, and very feeble in 
body, but roused the people as of old, by his pathetic 
appeals. 

To his instrumentality in a great measure, also, may 
be attributed the erection of the church on Deal's Island. 
He so loved the house of God and the tented grove, that 
he desired to be interred near the new church and camp 
ground. This desire was fulfilled, and there sleeps his 
dust "tiM God shall bid it rise." 

To him and his friends it would have been a dark and 
inexplicable mystery why he was so greatly afflicted in 
body, had it not been placed on record. " Whom the 
Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son 
whom he receiveth." 

In various ways was his cup mingled with disappoint- 
ment and bitterness. Soon after he moved to his new 
home on Deal's Island, and had comfortably settled him- 
21 



322 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

self and family, one of his out-buildings caught fire, and 
with it was consumed all the provision he had on hand. 
If he did not take joyfully this spoiling of his goods, he 
at least took it patiently, and could say, " Shall I re- 
ceive good at the hand of the Lord, and not evil ? The 
Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be 
the name of the Lord." 

Through the kindness and liberality of his friends, his 
loss was mostly made up to him, and another house 
erected in the place of the one consumed. 

Soon after this event, having an errand to the western 
shore of Virginia, he started in his canoe, and called up 
at Smith's Island for his fellow-laborer, Rev. Wm. Evans. 
While at dinner, the wind hauled round so as to be ahead 
when they made sail. The course they had to steer 
brought them in contact with a number of barrels of 
flour afloat in the bay, which had been washed off the 
deck of some vessel in a recent gale. 

They viewed this as a God-send, and secured about a 
dozen barrels which were found to be but slightly dam- 
aged when brought home. 

They could have secured a number more, only for the 
fact that he was already loaded with sweet potatoes, 
which he was carrying to a friend to whom he had pro- 
mised them ; and would not break his word, or throw 
them overboard for the more valuable freight which fell 
in his way. 

He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not, 
hath the promise of abiding in God's tabernacle, and 
dwelling in his holy hill ; and Brother Thomas lived with 
an eye single to this thing. 



SKETCHES. 323 

His love of truth, and character for integrity, was one 
of his distinguishing traits. Unable to "write, so as to 
sign a note or bond, he made his word always binding, 
and in no known instance failed to make the promise, 
" I'll do it, my brother," good to the letter. 

On one occasion he had been out on a fishing excur- 
3ion, for this was one of the chief means of his family's 
support. He had promised to call at a certain place for 
a person who wished to come back to the island with 
him. He had been very successful in his fishing, and in 
his canoe lay a fine lot of large fish. The day promised 
to be very hot, and^ny delay in getting home would be 
likely to spoil his cargo ; but having given his word, even 
casually, he would not for all the fish in the ocean break 
it, or disappoint a person who had expected at his hands 
a favor. The result was, that while he tacked in, to 
take the person on board, the breeze freshened up, and 
enabled him to make a rapid run home. " Godliness is 
profitable to all things." 

Being on another fishing excursion, and with every 
prospect of a dead calm — he found himself unequal to 
the task of rowing — or pulling his large craft, so great 
was the distance — and, if he delayed, his fine supply of 
fish would become tainted and spoiled. He had recourse 
to prayer, remembering that He who sent rain to the 
prophet was the same, and could send wind across the 
glassy waters to his relief. After prayer he unfurled 
his sails, and no sooner had he spread his canvas to the 
breeze than it came — first as a "cat's paw" across the 
surface of the deep, and then a delightful breeze before 
which his canoe soon sped to the distant shore. Why 



324 THE PABSOH 01 THE ISLA2TD5. 

should we be sceptical on such a subject as this ? His 
the Lord not said, "Ask : .(U in my name, and 

it shall be given ?' ? And does not the '-'wind and the 
seas" still "obey his voice?'" Is it too much for His 
almighty power, who holds the winds in his fist is 
makes the clouds his chariot, to send a breeze in answer 
to prayer? "2sot too much,'' some would say, "but 
too little a thing to suppose God would concern himself 
al : \;:." 

A mistake, my friend — nothing is too little to be be- 
neath his notice, :r too great to baffle his infinite skill. 
" Are not the verv hairs :f vour head all number 

Another of his fishing incidents may be given here. 
Returning home with a fine mess one day. for it was 
rarely his misfortune to toD and catch nothing — he 
reached his landing and fastened his canoe to its ac- 
customed stake, and on surveying the silvery heap of 
fine trout, mullet, and crocus, the Lord had given him, 
his heart was filled with gratitude for these blessings, 
and he gave vent tc his feelings in a great shout, which, 
with him. was to leap and praise God — regardless of the 
mud and water which flew over him, his fish, canoe, and 
all around, bespattering everything : he continued his 
shouting for some time. 

It was rarely he meddled with the exciting subject 
of politics, particularly after one unfortunate adventure 
which he always., regretted. 

"When General Jackson was a candidate for the Presi- 
dency, one of the charges brought against him by his 
opponents was. his hai _ - k militia mem shot, Brother 
Thomas heard of this, and in one of his sermons, ex- 



SKETCHES. 325 

pressed himself rather strongly on the impropriety of 
this act, and pronounced it out of all character — inhuman ! 
A Mr. M., who had been a great admirer and friend of 
Brother T., became much offended, and left the congre- 
gation in a pet, remarking, that if he lived until his head 
was as gray as an eagle's, he should never listen to him 
again. 

This, coming to the ears of Brother Thomas, caused 
great distress and grief; — he could not bear the ill will 
of any, and especially his friend, Mr. M. After con- 
sulting the circuit preachers, he went to the offended 
party and made humble acknowledgments — promising 
never to touch politics again ; this settled the difficulty. 

His habits of prayer were remarkable. He stated to 
me that he had never spent a half hour in any family 
he visited, without having prayer, and never was re- 
fused a request by any person to pray in his house. 

It mattered not where he was, in the company of 
Churchmen, Presbyterians, worldly persons, or even 
Atheists, he was always prompt to pray, and welcome 
to commend them to God at a throne of grace. 

The instance of his paying a certain debt on one 
occasion by prayer, has been often repeated, and perhaps 
heretofore published, but I will relate it again, and 
here: 

Having business in the Register's office at Cambridge, 
the gentlemanly clerk at that time, Mr. Wm. Rea, 
promptly waited on him, and attended to all his wants. 

After he had finished his business, and put away care- 
fully the papers he had obtained, he asked for the bill. 
"Nothing, Mr. Thomas," said Mr. Rea^ "Nothing at 



326 THE PARSON OP THE ISLANDS. 

all to you, but jour prayers." "Then," said Brother 
T., "I never like to be in debt. Let us pray." Down 
he knelt on the floor, and offered up an earnest petition 
to God, for his good kind friends there present, and 
their families, with all that appertained to them. This 
made a deep impression on the mind of Mr. R., who, at 
that time, was an irreligious man ; but shortly afterwards 
was converted, and has remained ever since a promi- 
nent, useful, and intelligent member of the Methodist 
Church. He will, perhaps, never forget that unexpected 
prayer. 

It is written, " He that converteth a sinner from the 
error of his way, shall save a soul from death, and hide 
a multitude of sins." How Brother Thomas succeeded 
in a very delicate and difficult case, we learned as fol- 
lows: 

A youth, whose moral training had been greatly 
neglected, came to reside on the Island. A sum of 
money was purloined, soon after, from one of the 
neighbors, where this young man had access. He was 
strongly suspected, but no direct or positive evidence 
could be adduced against him. Brother Thomas was 
deeply grieved for the character of the Island, and 
troubled about this young man. He sought an inter- 
view with him, and by affectionate entreaty melted him 
down, to confess his guilt and restore the money, and at 
once resolve to avoid in the future such a course of 
conduct as would most certainly bring him to shame and 
ruin. 

My last visit to him and to the Islands will never be 
obliterated from my memory. Nowhere in all my inter- 



SKETCHES. 327 

course, have I become so strongly attached to any people 
as those on Deal's, Smith's, and Holland's Islands. On 
the occasion of my farewell trip, I was accompanied 
from the house of Father Thomas by his son Seymour, in 
the " Methodist." I crossed the Sound to preach to the 
dear people once more. On reaching the Island after a 
very pleasant run, I was soon at the ever happy home 
of Brother William Evans, where I remained until the 
hour for worship ; then in company with the family we 
went to the house of God. As I tried to preach, their 
tears would flow, and responses rise, until my soul was 
carried away in love for them. Our separation will 
never be forgotten, as we stood on the shore and em- 
braced one after another of the old soldiers of the cross, 
in hope of a happy meeting in the realms of eternal 
love. I had received from them not only grateful bless- 
ings, but substantial marks of their favor, in numerous 
presents. 

Leaving this dear, loving people, we steered for Hol- 
land's Island, and there put up with my old friend, 
Richard Bradshaw, around whose family altar I had often 
knelt, — and now bowed for the last time. We repaired 
to the little sanctuary, and in singleness of heart, wor- 
shiped together; mutually pledging each other to be 
faithful until death, and to meet again, if no more on 
earth, in the city of the New Jerusalem. 

Some who were in those congregations have gone on 
"before, and others are on the verge of Jordan, with a 
hope full of immortality. 

Returning to little Deal's Island, I had a last inter- 
view with Brother Thomas. We met at the bedside of a 



328 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

dying saint. Brother Aaron Bradshaw, one of the purest 
and best men I have known. 

Brother Thomas had been carried over to administer 
the sacrament of the Lord's Supper to his neighbor and 
friend, before he should bid farewell to earth. 

As the elements were handed round by the old Apostle 
of the Islands, God was present to bless us by a reve- 
lation of Himself to our hearts. 

These two men, long united in holiest bonds below, 
are now safe at home, in the land where the inhabitants 
never say, "I am sick." 

Suffer me to conclude this sketch with a few 



LINES TO THE MEMORY OE JOSHUA THOMAS. 

Christian friend, must we resign thee — 

Dear to many as thou art ? 
Sacred ties are they which hind thee 

To the wounded, "bleeding heart. 

Rest thy form "beneath the willow ; 

There thy dust shall sweetly sleep ; 
"While the friends who smoothed thy pillow, 

Shall in sadness often weep. 

Now thy spirit, far from danger, 

Safely rests in Jesus' love ; 
And, to grief and pain a stranger, 

Ever lives in heaven ahove. 

All thy conflicts here are ended ; 

Over is the weary strife ; 
Up to God thou hast ascended — 

To the joys of endless life. 



SKETCHES. 329 



There amid unfading pleasure, 

Where the mourner weeps no more ; 

Count with joy thy garnered treasure ! 
Sing on the eternal shore ! 

"We expect ere long to meet thee, 

"With the holy to be blest ; 
Happy dawn, when we shall greet thee, 

"Where "the weary are at rest!" 



E. E. K. 



At the Ross' woods camp meeting — referred to by 
Brother Kemp — Brother Thomas made some remarks 
about worshiping God under such circumstances as then 
surrounded them, "without distraction." Said he, " You 
ought to leave all your worldly cares at home, and trust 
in the Lord. The devil sometimes troubles Christians 
very much, by suggesting that things are not going on 
right at home. This very morning he has been telling 
me that the hogs are in my potato patch ; but I told 
him, if they were, and eat up my potatoes, I would eat them 
next winter, and that will make it all square !" 

He also related that when out in his "blind," waiting 
to shoot ducks one day, he began to pray ; while at 
prayer the ducks came within range, but he became 
happy, and began to shout, and scared away the entire 
flock. "Let the poor things go," said he, "with their 
6 quack ! quack !' for they seem to be happy too !" 



330 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

The Canoe "Methodist" — The original tree — Hance Crosswell — Dimensions 
— Little Deal's Island — Voyage to the Island Churches — Reminiscences hy 
Rev. Dr. Townsend — The fence-log story — Rev. J. Hargis — Preaching 
on Smith's Island — Rev. R. E. Kemp — Lively hearers of the word — 
" You're right, brother !" — Class meetings — Thomas Tyler — Theological 
controversies — " Just as I said I" — Deference to the preachers — Effect 
of the gospel on the Islanders. 

The celebrated canoe, " Methodist," of which an ac- 
curate and beautiful engraving is here presented, de- 
mands for itself a particular history. 

It is said to be the largest canoe afloat in these waters, 
which has been constructed out of one tree, and is one 
of the most trim and tastefully modeled crafts of its 
class. It has been admired wherever it has gone, bear- 
ing Brother Thomas in his itinerant labors; and has 
gained its chief notoriety from the fact that in it, the 
traveling preachers performed their voyages to the Island 
appointments for a great many years. 

Next, in interest, to a portrait of the Parson himself, 
will be that of this far-famed canoe, as a memento to his 
memory. The sketch we have secured, will not fail of a 
ready recognition by all who in past days have been ac- 
quainted with the original. - 



THE METHODIST CANOE. 331 

The tree, out of which it was built, grew in the neigh- 
borhood of Curtis' Chapel, on the lands of a Mr. 
Broughton, and was so large that it was regarded a cu- 
riosity in the neighborhood. A well beaten path led 
through the tangled swamp to where it stood, so many- 
had traveled there to look at it, and measure its dimen- 
sions. It had long been offered for sale, but no person 
was found with sufficient courage to purchase and remove 
it, until it arrested the eye of a man named Hance 
Crosswell from Annamessex. 

He bought it for ten dollars, and, singlehanded, in 
the space of two or three hours felled it to the ground. 

Its fall was like the roar and reverberation of heavy 
ordnance, and shook the ground for many miles around. 

Two canoes were rough hewed from its mammoth 
trunk : the largest, afterwards called the " Methodist," 
and another, which is now owned by Mr. D. Evans, of 
Deal's Island. These were hauled to King's Creek, a 
distance of five miles, and towed by way of the Manoken 
River, round Jericho, to the place in Annamessex where 
they were subsequently finished, and launched. 

The length of the "Methodist" is between 20 and 30 
feet, and its width from side to side about five feet. It 
is capable of bearing a heavy freight, and can live in 
very rough weather under skillful management. 

It came into possession of Brother Thomas about 30 
years ago, and was left at his death as an heir loom in 
the family. William Seymour, one of his sons, is its 
present guardian and proprietor, and places such an es- 
timate on it, that, except for the service of the Church, 
and the dissemination of the gospel, as in former years, 



332 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

money could not purchase it. It is newly painted eveiv 
year, and in as good condition now as when it was built. 

The scene and surroundings of our picture are strik- 
ingly appropriate. Standing on the lower point of Deal's 
Island, or on the front porch of that well remembered 
home for the preachers, the house of Brother T. Daniel, 
and looking across the lower thoroughfare to the little 
Island, we see in the foreground, getting under way, 
the gallant Methodist : named in honor of that wonder- 
ful system, which, under God, has brought light and life 
to thousands u afar off;" and still bears the message of 
salvation, through its energetic agencies, in ever widening 
circles, to the ends of the earth." 

Her prow points toward the south, where Smith's 
Island, at a distance of ten miles, dimly shows itself on 
the horizon. This is the destination of the voyagers, 
who may be recognized as Brother Thomas and one of the 
preachers. The former sits in the stern sheets with 
tiller in hand, and a keen, critical eye for wind and 
weather, scanning the condition of his sails and the 
bearings of his course. 

To the left may be seen that Eden spot, the little 
Deal's Island, where he resided. The large house 
nearest, is that erected and occupied by Aaron Bradshaw 
until his decease ; now the residence of S. Evans. 

In the distance may be seen his own house, and to the 
right of it, and nearer the water's edge, that of Wm. 
Seymour Thomas. 

Leaving this scene to stand as " a thing of beauty," 
let us accompany the good pilot, and in his entertaining 



THE METHODIST CANOE. 333 

society, make the round trip contemplated before return- 
ing to the point from which we have just now embarked. 

The passenger, if the reader will take one more look 
at the engraving, is represented in the act of pointing 
out some object in the distance, and beginning to ask a 
series of questions, which the Parson takes great plea- 
sure in answering. Traditions of early times in these 
latitudes ; the names of head-lands, shoals, and marshes; 
adventures in storm and calm — the latter dreaded nearly 
as much as the former, when distances have to be tra- 
versed — and a thousand personal recollections of men 
and things, are related in a manner that enlists the most 
absorbed interest of the hearer, and often excites his 
laughter, so inimitably humorous are some particulars in 
the detail. 

Soon we cross the Sound channel, and stretch down 
towards Kedge's Straits, taking care, if the tide is not 
full, to clear the Musclehole Bar, and make a landing 
at the Light House on Fogg's Point. 

Captain White, who for a great many years kept this 
establishment, took the greatest pleasure in accommodat- 
ing his old friend Thomas and the Circuit Preachers. 
Rev. J. L. Tyler, a subsequent incumbent, also made 
them welcome to his home and hospitalities. The pre- 
sent officer, Captain Tyler, is clever, and kind as any 
of his predecessors. He is a member of the church, 
and a generous host to all who seek the shelter of his 
house. 

The arrival of the preachers, and the hour for public 
worship, is made known on Smith's as on Tangier 
Island, by hoisting a flag at the little church. The 



334 :zz parson :r ras islands. 

signal flag w is irocured by the Sons of Temperance, 
who hare a flourishing division there. It bears their 
motto — " Union Band," and when unfurled to the breeze, 
may be seen from every part of the Island. 

The people mostly come to meeting in canoes, and a 
more picturesque sight cannot well be imagined, than 
that witnessed about the time of service. From every 
point they come, some careering before the breeze, boomed 
out, and almost smothered in the spray; others close 
hauled on the wind, holding their course for the landing, 
and some expertly tacking against the wind, to reach 
their destination. 

Warm hands and hearts give us welcome, and at the 
conclusion of worship bid us adieu. Brother Thomas 
has his exact time specified for starting, and wo to the 
laggard wight who is not ready when tide makes, or 
wind is fair, to continue the voyage to Holland's Island. 
This is at a distance of eight miles from Fogg's Point, 
and is reached by a rapid run up the Bay. 

The " Methodist" is seen in the distance, and old Bro- 
ther Price is at the landing to welcome us to his house. 
Then, after a pleasant night's rest and preaching next 
morning, we are homeward bound, through Holland's 
Straits or the " Gun Barrer' channel, to Deal's Island 

A nin^r ::" ::nn^zi:-a:::^5 Lave "beer: septus. r_i- 
bracing recollections by ministers, of these voyages, and 
incidents connected with them. This may be an appro- 
priate place to introduce a few of such reminisce- : - 

Rev. S. Townsend enjoyed very intimate acquaintance 
with Brother Thomas, and was, when in this part of the 



THE METHODIST CANOE. 335 

work, a highly esteemed minister by all the people. He 
writes as follows: — 

" Rev. Joshua Thomas was truly a most extraordinary 
man. His like, in many respects, will never be seen in 
this world again ; and every thing that can, ought to be 
done to preserve the memory, and perpetuate the true 
piety of so great and good a person. His life, in the 
form of a biography, will prove a blessing to the world 
and the church, affording a medium through which, like 
the blood of Abel, he may speak to the present, as well 
as unborn generations from the ground. 

" Thousands of times, in imagination, he has come up 
before my mind, and with feelings of inexpressible de- 
light, I have fancied myself, as in former days, traveling 
with him through the dense forests of Delaware and 
Maryland, penetrating the populous "necks," or cross- 
ing the marshes along the Chesapeake Bay, the Mano- 
ken, Wicomico, Pocomoke, Nanticoke, or Choptauk 
Rivers, by day and night ; or in his noble old canoe, 
" Methodist," gliding over the Tangier Sound, through 
Kedge's or Hooper's Straits, to Smith's, Holland's, or 
Deal's Island ; — interested, cheered, captivated, lost to 
every thing else, by his delineations of Bible doctrine, 
Christian experience, and historical incidents, relating 
to his own life or to the lives of others, — especially the 
preachers wjhom he had known personally in former 
years. 

" Of the first class of preachers, such as Dr. Chan- 
dler, Rev. Lawrence McCombs, Solomon Sharp, and 
Lawrenson, he had an unfailing fund of anecdote, and 
delighted to talk of the times when they traveled in his 



036 THE PAMSQM 01 THE ISLANDS. 

vicinity. He would often refer, also, to the circum- 
stances with which he had been surrounded, during the 
war, the rise and spread of Methodism, where previously 
''the people sat in darkness," and were l dead in tres- 
passes and sins ;' until hours have passed by unobserved, 
and voyages amid scenes of danger and peril have been 
made in his captivating company, as we went from place 
to place, or enjoyed the warm and generous hospitality 
of such families as the Waters', Maddux', Miles", Coul- 
burn's, Fontaine's, Phoebus', Smith's, and Williams', on 
the Main ; or Daniel's, Mister's, Parks', Evans', Brad- 
shaw's, and his own home, on the Islands. 

u I have often been astonished to think over the time 
elapsed, the dangers escaped, and the sufferings endured; 
all of which has been brushed from our feelings, as the 
dust from our garments, by the smiling countenances, 
cordial welcome, and unparalleled kindness of our never- 
to-be-forgotten friends and benefactors, through all that 
region of country. 

4i Many of these have since gone to their graves, and 
to the home they hoped and lived for, beyond them in 
heaven. Oh ! how often has imagination followed their 
triumphant spirits through the trackless air, witne- 
their reception into the celestial city, and almost envied 
the angels their blest society. Xo thing but a reunion 
with them can satisfy the restlessness of our feelings, or 
fill the void made by their removal from earth. 

" O for the death of those 

Who slumber in the Lord ! 
O be like theirs idt last repose. 
Like theirs idt last regard P" 



THE METHODIST CANOE. 337 

" Three of my first four years in the Itinerant minis- 
try were spent on Princess Anne Circuit — the place of 
my nativity, and where rests the dust of my honored 
parents. It then comprised twenty-three regular ap- 
pointments, including three on the Islands. The circuit, 
as it then stood, has since been divided into two general, 
and two or three subdivisions. 

" The preponderance of religious sentiment and feel- 
ing in the community, was greatly in favor of the M. E. 
Church. Many of the most intelligent, wealthy, and in- 
fluential of the land were in her communion. The sim- 
plicity, piety, and devotion of her members, equalled 
that of the primitive Christians, of whom we read : 
< They Jfchat gladly received the word were baptized, and 
continued steadfastly in the Apostle's doctrine, and in 
fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and of prayers ; * 
* * with singleness of heart praising God, and having 
favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the 
church daily, such as should be saved.' 

" Brother Thomas contributed greatly, in his simple- 
hearted devotion, exemplary spirit, and untiring zeal, to 
this condition of things, wherever he moved. He loved 
God and his fellow man with all his mind and soul ; and 
exerted an influence that was general and powerful in 
the spirituality of the church. He often remarked, hu- 
morously, that he could not allow any person to love 
God and the church more than himself; or any preacher 
to preach better or oftener than he did ; and though he 
was keenly sensible of his deficiencies in mental culture, 
yet with a manly ambition, under the restraints of reason 
and religion, he sought rank with the purest and mightiest 
22 



338 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

of God's servants. He was largely gifted by nature, 
sanctified by grace; and, availing himself of every 
means within reach for improvement, he became a per- 
fect man of God, furnished for and ready to every good 
word and work." 

An incident often referred to as " the fence log" story 
is also related by Dr. Townsend, as having occurred in 
connection with himself: 

" Brother Thomas and I met at the house of old Brother 
Wm. Miles, in the neighborhood of St. Peter's Church, 
in Annamessex, one Saturday evening. On Sabbath 
morning at the breakfast table, he appeared to be unus- 
ually concerned about something that rested on his mind. 
In a solemn tone he remarked, 'Brother Townsend, I am 
afraid you will not preach well to-day, I had a bad dream 
about you last night.' I replied, ' It is no strange thing 
for me to fail in preaching ; ut you must pray for me.' 
c I will,' said he, 'and,' — stammering very badly — 'you 
must pray for yourself.' ' What did you dream, Brother 
Thomas ?' said I. ' Why,' said he, ' I dreamed you and 
myself were making fence together, and I thought you 
made the roughest fence I ever saw. I thought you had 
great crooked logs, and left large holes in it as you went 
on. I was ashamed of it, and felt very bad when I 
awoke. I still feel unpleasant about it, and think you 
will not get along well to-day.' Brother and Sister 
Miles, the only persons at the table, listened with serious 
attention, and began to look somewhat distressed at the 
idea of a ' bad out' in preaching, and acquiesced in the 
propriety of prayer, to make it efficient. When we left 
the table, he went down to the creek to see that his canoe 



THE METHODIST CANOE. 339 

was all right, and I went up stairs to read and study. 
When I came down he had just returned to the house. 
Brother and Sister Miles had gone to the church, and we 
hastened on after them. While walking along, forgetful 
of the dream, as if I had never heard of it, I said, 
' Brother Thomas, you have never preached for me at 
this place ; preach for me to-day. I know the people 
love to hear you, and I shall be pleased to hear you my- 
self.' He stammered long in trying to reply; at length, 
said he, ' Do you think I had better preach V I knew 
that his preaching depended altogether on impulse and 
feeling, and replied, i If you feel any impression of duty 
in that way, I wish you would.' He became silent, as if 
absorbed in thought, and when we reached the church, 
consented to preach. The introductory services were 
performed, and after announcing his text, he proceeded 
for about ten minutes, in a very interesting manner, to 
explain and enforce it. 

" He then seemed to become confused and embarrassed, 
not knowing what he was talking about. The congre- 
gation noticed his incoherency and evident distress ; but 
instead of sitting down, he talked away at random, 
worked himself into a great excitement, and every mo- 
ment became more tangled in his train of ideas. 

" At length he turned abruptly round to me, and, as 
if his dream had suddenly flashed across his memory, 
said, ' Brother Townsend, bring on the chunks!' mean- 
ing that it was himself who really made the bad fence, 
and that it devolved on me to roll in large ' chunks,' to 
stop up the holes. The congregation looked amazed, not 
knowing anything about the dream, and Brother Miles 



340 THE PAKSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

could not refrain from laughing, neither could I, at this 
turn of affairs. I closed the services as best I could, 
while Brother Thomas was overwhelmed with grief at the 
result of his effort." 

The above was a rare case of failure, and however un- 
pleasant to him at the time, afforded him a lesson which 
he always remembered ; often telling the circumstance 
to his own disparagement, and with this moral : " Dreams 
are not an exact criterion, or delineation of coming 
events." 

Rev. J. Hargis, another of his friends of former years, 
writes : 

" The first time I ever saw Father Thomas, was at a 
camp meeting near Guilford, in Accomac County, Va. 
While I was trying to preach, he came up and took a 
seat behind me in the stand, and commenced to respond 
to what I was saying. As soon as I concluded the 
sermon, he sprang to his feet, saying, ' Bless God ! now 
I will have a shout !' This was the man I had so much 
desired to see, and now heard his voice for the first time. 
After he had rejoiced for some time, he delivered an ex- 
hortation which was sensible and very animating. 

" In 1843-4, 1 was on the circuit where he resided, and 
spent many an hour in his company. He told me most 
of the remarkable events in his life ; such as his early 
sufferings — attachment to the Episcopal church — his 
adventures with the Baptists — his love for Methodism — 
the story of his conversion — his great meetings on the 
Island — preaching to the British — second marriage — ■ 
removal to Deal's Island, and various camp meeting 
anecdotes, which interested me very much. He was a 



THE METHODIST CANOE. 341 

good, holy man of God ; very simple, full of faith, and 
successful as a preacher of the gospel, which he knew to 
be ' the power of God, to his own salvation.' 

" The Island people, when I knew them were, and I 
hope are yet, as a general thing, devoted to God, love 
the church, and keep the discipline. Brother Thomas, 
when he carried the preachers over the Sound to break 
the bread of life to them, would take his share of all the 
exercises, and never seemed happier than when at work 
in the pulpit or class meeting. He was an example in 
this respect to many of our Local and Itinerant preachers, 
who content themselves with doing ordinary service, 
and never care to go out of the beaten track to save 
souls. 

" He was a very industrious man WneT5 about home, and 
was considered an excellent canoe builder, as well as one 
of the best fishermen on the island. 

" He devoted much time to prayer and communion 
with God, and was of that happy, hopeful kind of tem- 
perament, that looks on the bright side of life, and mag- 
nifies the mercies enjoyed from day to day. In his 
room over the fire place, he had a sign painted, ' Take 
up thy cross and follow me.' 

" This was his rule of life. To obey it, he had to spend 
much of his time away from his comfortable home and 
beloved family, to be occupied like his Master in doing 
good. I have been with him, as have been many minis- 
ters of the Philadelphia Conference, who have labored on 
the Peninsula, in his canoe, in calm and storm, cold and 
heat, up and down, and across the waters of the Sound 
and Bay, and ever found him the same meek, humble, 



342 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

teachable, and fervent-spirited follower of Jesus. I hope 
for a renewal of our happy intercourse, in the home of 
the blessed : 

" There all the ship's company meet, 

"Who sailed with their Saviour beneath ; 
With shouting each other they greet, 

And triumph o'er sorrow and death. 
The voyage of life's at an end ; 

The mortal affliction is past ; 
The age that in heaven we spend, 

Forever and ever shall last." 

Preaching on Smith's Island, as on all the islands 
named in this vicinity, is referred to by the brethren who 
have enjoyed that privilege, as among the most interest- 
ing occasions of their ministry. 

The sketch presented will recall, to many, the joyous 
moments they have spent in the pulpit and among the 
people there. The congregation consists of " old men and 
fathers" of over four-score years ; mothers in Israel, and 
young people of all ages, down to the little infant of days 
carried out to be consecrated to God and the church, in 
holy baptism. 

The little sanctuary is capable of seating between one 
and two hundred persons, and is kept in very neat con- 
dition, with " whitewashed wall and cleanly sanded floor," 
and is the scene of very lively exercises when the peo- 
ple assemble to join in praise and prayer. 

The minister represented in the pulpit, we will sup- 
pose, is Rev. R. E. Kemp, than whom, but few of 
modern days was more popular or better adapted to this 
people, from his use of similitudes, and his style of illus- 
tration, when preaching to them. 




REV. H. E. KEMP PREACHING ON SMITH'S ISLAND 



THE METHODIST CANOE. 343 

Whenever the preacher utters a sentence that may be 
striking or forcible, his hearers will express audibly their 
appreciation, as "good!" "true!" or, "first rate !" and 
this is continued all through the sermon. The brother 
alluded to had learned most of their nautical terms, 
studied their habits, and, in the pulpit, would " box the 
compass," "bear away," or, "hold your luff," while he 
pictured the voyage of life, and the duties of godliness ; 
or refer to weaving, spinning, hoeing corn, and raising 
potatoes, with the design of simplifying truth, and making 
the commonest objects convey instruction, admonition, 
and wisdom. 

Here is an example of one of those colloquial services, 
that may give the reader an idea of the mode in which 
the gospel is preached and listened to; making each 
sermon a feast of fat things ; and every visit, to both 
preachers and people, a time of refreshing : 

" The text, my brethren and sisters, tells us, ' This is 
a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation,' (Yes, 
that it is !) Now, many sayings among men, and many 
things in books are not of this character. ( No !) 
Some things said by neighbors about each other are un- 
worthy of any acceptation or belief. (Ah !) They are 
not true ; (That's a fact !) and those who speak evil of 
their neighbors — are they faithful ? (No, brother !) 
Take care, then, of evil speaking ; for this vice will ruin 
the Church and community as badly as that brother's 
cabbage garden, which is all eaten by worms ! (True, 
brother !) A tattler is worse than a grub worm, (You're 
right!) 

" In this false and faithless world there is not much 



844 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

to rely upon; but, bless God! one thing is faithful. We 
can all accept it — the truth that Jesus Christ came into 
the world to save sinners ! (Bless God ! Glory to his 
name !) 

" The needle never points more truly to the pole — the 
north star is not more stable — the sunshine is not more 
clear than this l saying.' Do you receive it, and believe 
it, to-day, my friends ? (I do, brother ! — So do I — Yes, 
hallelujah !) 

; " The compass may deceive you, the lights may go 
out, and your reckonings all fail, on some dark night, 
when bound up or down the Bay; and the first thing you 
know you are hard ashore, or out of the channel ; (Yes, 
that's all true !) but Jesus Christ will not fail his people 
in the time of doubt or danger. (No, glory be to Jesus !) 
He can save sinners. (I know it !) Even Paul, who 
tells us he was ' chief.' Some of you may have thought, 
if you did not say, the same thing ; that you were the 
worst, the most wicked, and unworthy of all sinners. 

" Have you felt that way ? (Yes, often !) Well, he 
is able, he is willing, doubt no more." (Lord, help !) 

Complaints are never made of a long discourse ; for 
time is not noted in the animated and happy spirit in 
which it is delivered, and received, into good, honest 
hearts. 

The preacher, in view of the fact that he is so rarely 
permitted to visit this flock, does his best ; the people, 
from the same consideration, "hear, as for eternity," 
and, " in the love of the truth," receive it, as food to the 
hungry, and, to the weary, rest." 

Brother Thomas, when in company with the preacher, 



THE METHODIST CANOE. 345 

was given to expressing his mind during the delivery of 
the sermon. Sometimes, if feeling ran high, he would 
say, " Hold on, brother, and let us shout a while !" 

The class meetings, held after preaching, are always 
interesting. As one after another is called, and relates 
his or her experience, a bashful minister will often be 
startled to hear so many allusions to his sermon ; as, 
''Brother, you did me a heap of good to-day;" "Your 
sermon was food to my soul;" or, "While you were 
preaching so powerful, the Lord shone into my soul, and 
I am happy !" 

The old gentleman seen in our engraving with his head 
protected by a handkerchief, will be recognized as 
Brother Thomas Tyler, an exhorter, and cotemporary 
with the first Methodists on the Island. He has been a 
reading man, and is the standing reference, in the ab- 
sence of the preachers, on all questions of theology, as 
he owns the writings of Wesley and Dr. Clarke, beyond 
which authority, there is no disposition to appeal. 

The face of Brother Laban Evans, another of the ex- 
torters, will also be seen in the congregation. 

An anecdote is told of two brethren who disagreed on 
a certain question of doctrine or morals. 

They were both obstinate in opinion, and so the con- 
troversy remained until next preaching day, when, with- 
out knowing anything of the matter, the Circuit Preacher 
touched on the mooted point, and gave his view of the 
case. One of the brethren, finding his side of the ques- 
tion sustained by the pulpit, exclaimed, to the surprise 
of preacher and people, "Do you hear that, Brother 
John ? I thought so /" 



346 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

The deference paid to their preachers is profound, by 
the Island people. They could hardly be persuaded, 
but that the Itinerant knows every thing between the 
extremes of correcting the erratic tendencies of a super- 
annuated clock, and explaining the system of the uni- 
verse ; — the science of raising beans, and that of read- 
ing stars ! 

In the social circle, as in the pulpit, his opinions are 
sought, and his advice followed in every particular thing, 
that lies within the scope of his relations, as their pastor, 
guide, and friend. 

Our canoe voyage has been protracted, and yet a 
tenth part of its stirring associations have not been told. 
Few incidents, in either the light or shade of a Metho- 
dist preacher's life, is calculated to leave a more durable 
and agreeable impression on his mind, than this trip to 
the islands, in the companionship of Brother Thomas. 
If the water is calm, and wind light, and the preacher 
feels weary after his morning labors, he may take a nap 
on some clean sea grass which has been provided for such a 
contingency, while the Parson will sing a hymn or preach 
a sermon, as he sits at the helm, with sheet ropes at 
hand, and thinking over the promises of his heavenly 
Father's love. 



INCIDENTS AT TANGIER. 34T 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

Letter from Rev. L. W. Nottingham — Brother Thomas and Rev. W. Spry — An 
affecting scene — An angry sinner converted — Personal violence prevented 
— Rev. J. A. Brindle — Anecdotes — " Better late than never" — Aaron 
Thomas reclaimed — Becomes an Exhorter — His father's joy- — Farewell 
meeting at Tangier— His regard for Local Preachers — Rev. John Laws — 
An Experience meeting — Rev. H. Dalby — Jacob's Ladder — Rev. L. Moore 
— Rev. B. T. Ames — A Sailor's experience — The drops before a shower 
— Rev. W. Evans — Evans and Thomas at Ebenezer — Remarkable scene. 

Before closing our record, there remain a few inci- 
dents connected with Tangier Camp Meeting, which claim 
a place in these pages. 

" I shall never forget," writes the Rev. Luther W. 
Nottingham, " a parting interview I witnessed on Tan- 
gier, at a camp meeting, between Brother Thomas and 
Rev. William Spry. The dear old man had become feeble, 
and could not move about, except when carried in a 
large chair. 

" He was about to leave the ground, and at his re- 
quest a meeting of the brethren and sisters was called 
in the tent where he was staying. 

" Brother Spry was at the meeting, and came in to 
bid farewell to his beloved friend. A prayer meeting 
was held, and when the time came to part, Brother 



348 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

Thomas requested Brother Spry to come and kneel be- 
fore him, and let him place his hands on his head, that 
he might invoke the blessing of God upon him. The 
good minister of Jesus Christ, who for years had been 
proclaiming the glad tidings of salvation, did not con- 
sider this act a condescension, but an honor, — an ex- 
alted privilege to kneel before the patriarch, ' Parson of 
the Islands,' that he might receive his benediction. We 
stood around, and felt the power of the Highest to rest 
upon us during this solemn act. The place seemed to 
be filled with the Holy Ghost, and was awful by reason 
of the heavenly influence that came down upon us. 

"After he had laid his trembling hands on Brother 
Spry, he requested him to place his hands on his head, 
and invoke for him a special blessing. He did so. It 
was a glorious privilege to be there. It seemed nothing 
less than God's house, and the very gate of heaven. I 
doubt whether there was one in the tent, whose cheeks 
were not bathed with tears. We felt in our souls a joy- 
ful anticipation of meeting, after these earthly scenes 
were ended, in the glorious kingdom of God, to shout 
redeeming love around the throne. That these two 
men of God are now in heaven, and compose a part of 
4 the church of the firstborn,' I have not the shadow 
of a doubt. They have gone to reap the reward of 
their labors, and by the aid of Divine grace, we expect 
to meet them there, and with them walk the golden 
streets of the new Jerusalem. 

" I have been much edified and interested by some of 
Brother Thomas' exhortations. He said many excel- 
lent things, and in such an original way, that none 



INCIDENTS AT TANGIER. 349 

could help feeling their force, and seeing their appro- 
priateness. 

" At one time he was speaking of temptations from the 
adversary, and, — as was his invariable custom, he brought 
forth instances and illustrations from his own experience. 
He said there was a large sinner at a place where he was 
holding a meeting, and the man became angry with him 
for something he said, which the other regarded as per- 
sonal. The devil tempted him sorely to believe that this 
man would beat him the next time they met. He was 
greatly perplexed in mind about it, but went on with his 
prayer meeting, and soon God sent the power down, and 
his big sinner, among others, was convicted, and led to 
cry for mercy. 

" He told of meeting a man on Tangiers, who threat- 
ened to whip him, if ever he caught him on the Main. 
One day having gone to the Main, he was traveling 
along a certain road, and saw in the distance this iden- 
tical man, coming towards him. He lifted his heart in 
prayer to God, but expected the promised beating ; but 
lo ! and behold ! when the enemy approached, he fell 
upon his neck, wept bitterly, and asked his forgiveness 
for what he had said and done. ' So, brethren,' he 
would say, ' do your duty at all times, and leave results 
to God. He will take care of you, for he is more than 
all that can be against you. Men and devils combined 
cannot harm a hair of your head, without his permis- 
sion.' 

"In conclusion," adds Brother Nottingham, "with 
all the eccentricities about him, I believe he was one of 
the best and holiest of men ; and if the church had 



350 the PAE. ; ::r n the klabds. 

more like bim. she would have more power, and greater 
success.*' 

Rev. J. A. Brindle, of the Philadelphia Conference, 
in a letter full of encouragement to the writer, and hope 
that this memoir, which has so long been desired, will 
accomplish good, says : 

"My first interview with Father Thomaa, was many- 
Tears ago, at a camp meeting, and my attention was at- 
tracted toward him by a singular, and somewhat trivial 
circumstance. 

•• He came up into the stand, and took his seat. After 
some time had elapsed, there came a preacher up, and 
knelt down to offer prayer, preparatory to the devotions 
of the occasion. 

" The old Parson dropped down alongside of him, 
and also engaged in silent prayer. When they arose, 
the preacher said to him. ' Why, Brother Thomas, had 
you not said your prayers V • Xo,' said he, •' I forgot it 
D9$i] I saw you, and then I thought it was better late 
than never.'" 

•• Thus he skewed Ae simplicity and sincerity of his 
heart 

•• Obi next interview was on Tangier Islai: '.. in I 
Bi : thai Hargis held a camp meeting there. I traveled 
Northampton Circuit that year. It was the last time 
Brothei Thomas was permitted to visit thai place, wkei e 
in former years he had en; jyed B :■ much of the presence 
of God. He was greatly afflicted with the rheumatism, 
and could neither stand nor walk. I took his younge ; : 
son to the altar, or a niouraers' bench, in a prayer meet- 
ing tent, where he was reclaimed from a backslidden 



INCIDENTS AT TANGIER. 351 

state. He afterwards became an exhorter, and a very- 
useful laborer in the church. I well recollect hearing 
the old man shout for joy when it was told him, * Your 
son Aaron is reclaimed, and made happy in God.' 

" One evening the old brother had retired to bed, feel- 
ing very much indisposed. The trumpets sounded for 
preaching, and rising up in bed he inquired of me, who 
was going to preach. I told him it was Brother John 
Laws, a Local preacher. ' Well,' said he, ' I must go to 
the stand and help him. I feel a great interest in Local 
brethren, and am proud of them when I think they out- 
preach the traveling ministers.' He did not design by 
this remark to convey any disparagement or envy to the 
traveling preachers. He loved them all ; but he had a 
special regard or sympathy for Local brethren. He went 
out to the stand, feeble as he was, and prayed for his 
brother ; and while the other was preaching, he re- 
sponded from a full heart, in the words, 6 Amen,' i Glory,' 
&c. He was in this way of much service to Brother 
Laws, as he told me next day. 

" One more event, — the most interesting and affecting 
I can remember in connection with this truly remarkable 
man. At the camp meeting referred to, he took a final 
leave of his Island brethren, and the preachers present. 
He had arranged a kind of programme for his valedic- 
tory services, which he communicated to the preacher in 
charge, (Brother Hargis,) and which was in something 
like the following order : 

u 'Now,' said he, 'I want Brother Brindle to give out 
a certain hymn, and sing, after which I want Brother 
Laws to pray. I will then give an exhortation to the 



352 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

people, and you will have me carried by two of the 
largest men you have on the ground to my canoe — (the 
Methodist,) when I will pronounce the benediction.' 
His wish was carried out in every respect. One of the 
men who carried him, was his oldest son, John, who lives 
on Tangier. There were many tears shed that morning, 
at parting with this dear old Father in Israel, and hopes 
exchanged that we might all meet to part no more at 
last." 

The interest of the Tangier camp meeting began to 
wane, with the beginning of that unfortunate state of 
agitation, and disturbance connected with the separation 
of the Southern section of the M. E. Church, in 1844, 
from the Northern. Much unnecessary bitterness of 
feeling was engendered, by the continuance of the min- 
istry connected with the Philada. Conference, to exercise 
their office in that time honored territory; and the 
progress, as well as the peace of the church, has been 
retarded by sectional prejudices. 

Every trace of the old camp ground is now obliterated, 
in the building and appurtenances of the " Chesa- 
peake House," on the spot so long hallowed as a place 
of prayer. 

The writer remembers his first visit to the celebrated 
beach, on the occasion of a camp meeting in 1849. 
From lower Annamessex, he found a passage down the 
Sound, and, to his intense gratification, stood amid the 
clustering associations of that far famed spot. 

The preachers in attendance that year were Brothers 
Mullen, Maddux, England, Lacey, and others of the 



INCIDENTS AT TANGIER. 353 

traveling ranks ; and Dalby, Ames, Leatherberry, Evans, 
and several other Local preachers. 

On our arrival, an experience meeting was in progress 
— one of the most deeply interesting we had ever at- 
tended. Brother Dalby from Northampton was speak- 
ing. This beloved man has since gone to heaven. He 
was very happy that morning. Alluding to a sermon 
preached by Dr. Lacey on "Jacob's ladder," he said, 
" Nearly forty years ago, at a camp meeting on Hog 
Island, away out yonder on the Atlantic coast, I found 
my feet taken out of the horrible pit and miry clay, and 
placed on the first round of this glorious ladder ! I have 
been climbing upward ever since, with the help of my 
God. I can now see the city ! 

" My hope is full, oh, glorious hope! 
Of immortality." 

This excellent brother preached at that meeting from 
the text: "Whose fan is in his hand, and he will 
thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into 
the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquench- 
able fire." 

Another text, on which we remember having heard 
him deliver a good sermon, was: "Wherefore, holy 
brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider 
the Apostle and High Priest of our profession: Christ 
Jesus." 

One of his sons is an able minister in the Virginia 

Conference. Two others, who preached and labored 

there, are also in the traveling connection; Rev. Benjamin 

T. Ames and Rev. Lloyd Moore. When the latter was 

23 



351 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

beginning his ministry, and had preached a sermon at 
the camp one day, which produced a marked effect, 
Brother Dalby, whose sympathies had been with the 
young brother, caught him in his arms at the close of 
the discourse, exclaiming, "Well done, good and faithful 
servant." 

Brother Ames, in relating his experience, said, "I 
can face ten thousand without dismay or embarrass- 
ment, and preach to them the gospel of the Son of 
God, or tell the love of Christ which I feel within my 
heart." 

A sailor looking man arose and deliberately said, " I 
am not ashamed of Jesus. I feel it to be my duty, as 
well as a privilege, to own him wherever I go : among 
his friends who love him as you do, and among those 
who hate him ; for my lot is often cast among the un- 
godly." 

One of the brethren remarked, that religion is suited 
to a man in every condition of life. "I know this to be 
true. I have been in every condition — in sickness and 
health, in poverty and abundance, in sorrow and sur- 
rounded with happy scenes ; and I have found my 
Saviour precious at all times, in all places, and under all 
circumstances. At the mast head, and in the cabin, 
with a smooth sea, and in the midst of the storm, every- 
where, religion is the same ; only that it gets better and 
brighter as I near the port of eternal life." 

" Sweet peace it brings wherever it arrives : 
It builds our quiet, as it forms our lives- 
Lays the rough paths of peevish nature even, 
And kindles in the breast a little heaven." 



INCIDENTS AT TANGIER. 355 

One of the island sisters gave an experience which we 
still distinctly remember. By this time the tide of re- 
ligious emotion had swelled high. Brother Dalby was 
shouting, and the singing was thrillingly grand. This 
pious woman arose, and pointing towards the stand with 
her fan said, " A preacher up there, by the name of John 
Allen, was telling us how the Lord sends his showers of 
grace, like the rain upon the earth. He said, first there 
comes a cloud, then a single drop, then two or three 
large drops, then faster and faster until it pours ! Well, 
friends, I feel it pouring now. A while since I felt a 
big drop, then I began to see the drops falling on the 
brothers over there ; and I prayed for a powerful bap- 
tism. My soul is full of joy ; my hope is clear, and I 
expect to meet you." 

Thus the hour moved sweetly on, and the exercises 
closed with the experience of Rev. Wm. Evans. As 
near as we can recall this remarkable statement it was 
in substance : that the Christian who lives with heaven 
in his view, and redeeming grace in his soul, never fears 
to die. " Twice," said he, " have I been overboard in the 
Bay ; several times capsized out of my depth in the 
Sound, and could not swim; but I cast myself on a 
present God, and was enabled to feel calm and happy. 
At one time I expected to be ushered into the presence 
of my Judge in a moment. It was one dark stormy 
night, when I was struck by the boom, in going about, 
and fell overboard. I went down amid crashing ice, and 
as I went, I called to my son on board, ' Farewell, tell 
your mother I have gone to dwell with Jesus !' In the 
providence of God, I had grasped a rope when falling 



356 THE PABS09 OF TEE ISLANDS. 

oyer, and by this means, after long delay. I succeeded in 
regaining the deck ; and here I stand to-dav. a witness 
still to the power of Christ to save a sinner, and the 
power of his grace to make the soul happy in danger, 
and triumphant in prospect of death." 

Here an invitation was given, and was accepted by 
many, who felt their need of religion. At this meeting, 
Brother Lacey preached a sermon to the fishermen, in 
which he displayed a very intimate acquaintance with the 
different kinds of fish, their habits, and the modes of 
taking them — also the varieties of hook, bait, and man- 
agement to ensure success : using all this to illustrate the 
text, -''Behold 1 make you fishers of men." 

Brother Evans followed, and gave an exhortation of 
telling power. "We never knew him to fail in awaken- 
ing the undivided attention and enlisting the hearts of 
a congregation, by his pathos and earnestness. 

He and Brother Thomas were said to be a " whole 
team" at any meeting they attended, and left their im- 
press wherever they had access to promiscuous crowds. 

The last visit they ever paid in company to the Ebe- 
nezer camp meeting, was, we are informed, a time of 
extraordinary interest and success. They spent the 
Sabbath, and part of Monday laboring in the meeting, 
without much apparent good being done. Other en- 
gagements demanded that they should leave the ground 
that day, and at an hour when there was no opportunity 
afforded them for a parting word, or a farewell hymn. 
Rev. J. T. Hazzard was about to preach, and had com- 
menced the opening services, when our Island brethren 
quietly withdrew, and took the way to the landing where 



INCIDENTS AT TANGIER. 357 

the " Methodist" was moored. Their departure was ob- 
served, however, by a few persons, who whispered the 
fact around, until about eighty persons arose and followed 
them. They formed into a procession two and two, and 
commenced to sing as they walked on. The singing was 
led by a whole-souled brother, named Holmes, from Balti- 
more. Thus they marched on until they came to the 
shore. " Now," said Brother Thomas, who was some- 
what concerned lest this movement should disturb the 
congregation they had left, and yet felt deeply grate- 
ful for such a mark of respect and kindness, " let the 
sisters step on board my canoe, and Brother Evans will 
stand on the seat and give us a word of exhortation." 
This was done, and while Brother E. became fervent, 
eloquent, and overpowering in his farewell words, the 
fire caught from heart to heart ; six persons fell on the 
shore, under deep conviction, and every Christian, man 
and woman in the company began to praise the Lord. 
Several prayers were offered, some of the mourners 
blessed ; and such a meeting, it was declared, they had 
never seen before. 

Brother Thomas went round to each and bid them 
farewell, asking them, as he took their hands, to meet 
him in heaven. He then requested them to return to 
the camp singing as they came ; and when they entered 
within the circle, to march round three times before they 
stopped. 

This they promised, and while the "Methodist" spread 
her sails to the breeze, the brethren on board could hear 
the sound of the hymns sung by the returning escort. 
When the company reached the ground, the sermon had 



358 THE PAESON OF THE ISLANDS. 

just been concluded, and as they encompassed the camp, 
they were joined by many others, until the whole place 
was a scene of the greatest excitement. After they had 
marched round, according to order, three times, they 
turned in around the altar, which quickly became crowded 
with penitents. This gave an impulse to the meeting 
that greatly contributed to its success, and made it one 
of the most glorious seasons of revival remembered on 
that camp ground. Some in eternity, and others on the 
way to join their friends above, were happily converted 
through this God-honored instrumentality. 



CHARACTER AND HABITS. 359 



CHAPTER XXV. 

Visits to Princess Anne — Praying in families — A delicate subject — Meet- 
ings at Brother Fontaine's — A fashionable coat — Style of preaching — Dr. 
Gardiner — Personal appeals — Habit of responding — How to quiet a cry- 
ing child — Sermon on Joseph — Illustration of faith — Perseverance in 
prayer— Debility — The promises — Encounter with the devil — Upset from 
an ox cart — A victory — Preachers at Deal's Island, 1847 — Rev. J. A. 
Roche — The great salvation — Rev. J. Allen — Important question — Rev. 
A. Cookman — The crown of life — Rev. W. Campbell — Hope for the 
Church — The world to be saved through an earnest ministry. 

In his journeys to and from Princess Anne, the centre 
of the circuit, and the County town of Somerset, Father 
Thomas invariably took the river route, and used his 
Methodist canoe. 

He had a number of stopping places along the wind- 
ing Manoken, where, should night overtake him or the 
tide turn, he was always sure of a cordial welcome. 

His name is as precious ointment, in many families, 
where he was in the habit of spending an hour, or a 
night, as the case might be. It mattered not with him, 
what their denominational proclivities might be ; he sung 
his hymns, called them to prayer, (white and colored 
people,) and was treated with the highest respect by all. 

He was passing the beautiful residence of Mrs. W. 



360 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

one day, and as it was about the hour for dinner, he 
turned his canoe to the shore, made fast, and walked in. 
His reception was, as usual, kind and affectionate. 
Several visitors were present, who became greatly inter- 
ested in his conversation ; among others a young gentle- 
man, who, he supposed was there paying particular re- 
spects to the amiable daughter of his hostess. At the 
conclusion of dinner, as the company were rising from 
the table, he said, "Let us pray." This was a rule he 
never deviated from, when casually sojourning with a 
family. In prayer he named each person present, ad- 
verted to their age, circumstances, and, what he supposed 
to be their moral condition. This peculiarity of his, 
when officiating at the family altar, made his prayers 
memorable, and gave him immediate access to all hearts. 
On this occasion he had incidentally learned that three 
of the ladies present were widows ; he prayed devoutly 
for them all. When he came to the young gentleman 
visitor, divining his intentions, he asked the Lord to 
bless the dear man, give him grace and favor in the eyes 
of that lovely lady, and so dispose her heart, that his 
suit might be successful ! However diffident he might 
have been, and confused by such an unexpected interest 
in his affairs, it may be seen at once, that this occasion 
gave him an excellent opportunity to propose. 

Many happy nights did our Parson spend with the 
family of Brother John Fontaine, when bound for 
Quarterly Meetings, or passing on business. 

His custom, we are informed, was to assemble the en- 
tire household in the large kitchen, and preach or exhort 
until they were all made happy. Good sister F. and 



CHARACTER AND HABITS. 361 

her servants have had many a shout with the old gentle- 
man on these occasions. 

When visiting Princess Anne, he was sometimes the 
guest of General P., who, with his lady, treated the 
Island Parson with the utmost consideration, and greatly 
enjoyed his devotional exercises, although the General 
had no particular inclination to any of the existing 
churches, or forms of faith, respected in the community. 

The hotel keepers also regarded it as a special favor 
to obtain his company, when in the town. Their parlor 
or porch was generally crowded with the neighbors, when 
"Brother Thomas" was stopping there. 

He is the most popular man to-day, at these same 
places, who can repeat the best and most anecdotes of 
the simple-hearted Parson. The only difficulty in this 
case is the temptation to exaggerate, for the purposes of 
adornment ; or to tickle the risibilities of the irreligious, 
by perverting the well meaning satires in which he in- 
dulged, against the popular vices and follies of his times. 

He was as plain and simple in his dress, as was the 
heart and its intentions underneath it. His portrait 
represents the old fashioned style of coat, to which, as a 
Methodist institution, he was indissolubly wedded. A 
number of his friends at one of the Dorchester camp 
meetings, once presented him with an excellent coat. 
It was made of the best material, but, on close examina- 
tion after it arrived at his house, and was in the act of 
being tried on, he discovered that its cut was carnal, and 
style conformed to the fashion of this world. He pulled 
it off in a moment, and sadly laid it aside. His family 
and friends used every persuasion they could devise, to 



362 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

weaken the force of what they termed his silly prejudices, 
but in vain. He prayed over it. He asked light from 
above as to this perplexing question, but not receiving 
what he considered a sufficient authority to justify his 
change, he never wore the coat. Had he done so, the 
portrait of good Bishop Asbury, and that of McKendree, 
which hung on his wall, would have reproved him daily, 
for thus departing from the wholesome example these 
pure men set before the church, in the article of clothing. 

The reader will find it difficult to form a just estimate 
of his preaching abilities, from the seemingly contradic- 
tory intimations scattered over these pages. When, as 
was often the case, he would pleasantly remind a preacher 
that he would try to " outpreach" him, it was never un- 
derstood that this remark savored of vanity. His own 
opinion of whatever preaching abilities he possessed, was 
poor. He once stated in an exhortation he was called 
upon to give, after a rather feeble effort by one of the 
preachers, that men had various callings. Some were 
called to plough, some to hew, and some to make shoes ; 
every man to his trade. In the church, some are called 
to preach, and expound the great lessons of divinity; 
and in this department, one is adapted to proclaim "the 
terrors of the law, another the glad tidings of the gospel. 
But," said he, "I am inclined to think that Brother — 
(naming the one who had preceded him) and I are called 
only to exhort ! If we put on the airs of these big 
preachers, we spoil the work, and reveal our ignorance !" 

At another time he remarked of himself, that in com- 
parison with most preachers, he was but a cornfield nag ! 



CHARACTER AND HABITS. 363 

"In fact," said he, "I am about just such a preacher 
as Brother Gardiner — sitting over there — is a doctor !" 

Brother, or Dr. Gardiner, to whom this personal re- 
ference was directed, was a respectable practitioner of 
the " Thomsonian" school; and very useful in his day, 
and mode of treatment, but was underrated by the " reg- 
ular" profession; and, as a simply self-taught votary of 
the healing art, discarded from fellowship with the owners 
of a diploma. He took the allusion in the utmost good 
humor, as it was intended ; and confessed himself hon- 
ored and elevated by such a comparison. 

He rarely raised his voice above a conversational tone 
when in the pulpit or public stand, and generally pro- 
ceeded in that strain with his discourse ; appealing to 
some acquaintance in the congregation for corroboration 
of facts. 

Sometimes a sensitive preacher could hardly maintain 
the connected links in his chain of ideas, when Brother 
Thomas sat behind or near him ; the latter was so much 
in the habit of responding, like all his Island brethren. 
When an emphatic sentence fell, he would startle all by 
saying, " That's good ! give us more ! Lord bless the 
brother !" 

He could not brook those petty annoyances, however, 
that were of a different complexion. A timely hint to 
those laughing and whispering young men, or "girls," 
as he termed our modern ladies, and all became quiet in 
that quarter. 

He stopped a minister one day in the midst of a fine 
oratorical flight, to appeal to a mother in the congrega- 
tion, whose little child kept up an intolerably annoying 



364 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

squall: "Sister," said he, in tender tones, "do give 
that child a Hater!' " 

His own texts when he preached, embraced an entire 
paragraph, or portion of a chapter; preferring, as he 
would remark, plenty of sea-room. His sermon on the 
history of Joseph was simply a paraphrase, but so in- 
imitably rendered, that persons would go home after 
hearing it, and read, and re-read their Bibles with a 
new love and delight for the sacred record. Most of 
the prominent events that mark the course of inspired 
history, were grouped in their connections, and formed 
the subjects of his Sabbath discourses. 

His figures were homely but very expressive. On the 
subject of "faith and works," and their intimate rela- 
tions, he had the old illustration of rowing a boat against 
the current. One oar without the other, he showed, was 
worse than useless, but both in harmony, and simul- 
taneous exercise, availed to "shoot ahead!" 

On perseverance, as an essential element of success in 
prayer, he would refer to some of his own actual expe- 
riences in secular life; saying, "I once had occasion to 
borrow an article of a neighbor. I knew he did not like 
to lend ; but I could not get along without the accommo- 
dation. I applied, and was put off. I tried again, and 
was denied. I went once more, and the man said, ' There 
take it, you stick like wax, when you want anything; 
and never let a fellow rest until you obtain it!' That's 
the way to pray, my brethren ; pray and never faint, and 
the blessing will come ; for, understand, our heavenly 
Father is willing ; but he wants us to feel our need more 



CHARACTER AND HABITS. 365 

than we do ; and b y seeming to withhold, he only tries 
our sincerity and earnestness." 

When, after the lifelong exposure he had endured 
from cold and wet, at all seasons, and in all changes of 
weather, his robust frame became debilitated by an acute 
attack, of rheumatism, confining him to narrow limits in 
his labors, and finally to his large arm chair; he found 
this lesson a difficult one to learn : that patience was a 
Divine requirement, and as necessary towards the purity 
of the soul, and the glory of God, in some instances, as 
the most active public life. 

"They also serve that wait," he in due time ascer- 
tained; and after rejoicing in the abundance of grace 
through so many years of duty, he claimed, and obtained 
the promise so dear to a sufferer. "All things shall 
work together for good to them that love God." 

He continued to preach, even when unable to stand 
or walk; and was as interesting — if not more so — to his 
neighbors in Sabbath ministrations, as when he made 
it his business and daily delight to "go about doing 
good." 

His mode of conveyance to the Island Church, when 
in this enfeebled condition, was, to be carried by his 
family to the water's edge, and seated in his canoe; then 
glide up the thoroughfare to Captain Price's landing, 
where this good friend of his, met him with an ox cart, 
and conveyed him to the place of prayer. 

One Sabbath morning the oxen became refractory, 
and upset the cart. The poor old man was severely 
hurt by his fall ; but, after recovering a little, he insisted 
on going to the church. All their persuasions failed to 



THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

deter him from his duty. He preached that morning 
with more than ordinary unction; and before dismissing 
the congregation, requested them to come out again in 
the afternoon, as he had another sermon, and a " still 
better text" to preach to them. 

The afternoon service was crowned with the blessing 
of God, in a very especial manner. The people were 
made happy, and had "a time of rejoicing" together, in 
which he heartily joined. 

Father Thomas, in closing the meeting, said, " The 
devil tried to prevent me from preaching to-day. He 
entered those oxen, and impelled them to run over a 
stump, that he might spoil my prospect for doing some 
good ; but, you understand, I would not stop for that ; 
and my Lord has wonderfully sustained and strengthened 
me this time. I thought it well, to make sure of a good 
victory over the enemy — to preach twice, instead of 
once ; and the adversary is disappointed. Glory be to 
my Jesus." 

It was a sad sight to hundreds of his old friends who 
assembled at the Deal's Island meeting in August, 1847, 
to see him helpless as a child, and in the midst of great 
bodily suffering. He tried to be cheerful, however ; and 
had an appropriate word for all who dropped in to greet 
him in his tent. 

The exercises of that meeting encouraged his soul 
greatly. Such preaching, he remarked, he had rarely, 
if ever, listened to before. The charm that lingered 
round his early recollections of camp meeting preaching, 
remained with him as long as memory held its seat. He 
could recall the day when a Solomon Sharp thundered 



CHARACTER AND HABITS. 367 

forth the claims of God, or told his kindly care, in 
preaching from the passage : " My people shall dwell 
safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods;" and 
when Chandler moved the masses by his Sunday morning 
sermons. He also cherished the names of a Lawrenson, 
White, and others among the fathers; "but," said he, 
" our preachers now-a-days, and those at this very meet- 
ing, are, I feel, commissioned by the same great Shep- 
herd, preach the same saving truths, and preach them 
as forcibly and powerfully as man, with his highest 
faculties in culture can do it. 

Of the preachers at that meeting, we remember Rev. 
John A. Roche, and his eloquent discourse on the " great 
salvation;" Rev. James Allen urging home to the con- 
science, the startling question, " What shall it profit a 
man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul ?" 
Rev. A. Cookman, then a boy, but mighty as the intre- 
pid David, before the enemy of his people, and their 
God; Rev. V. Smith, timid under the responsibilities 
of his ministry, but when nerved, and baptized by the 
Holy Ghost, irresistible in appeal; Rev. William Camp- 
bell, soon to lay his armor by ; and others, a noble band 
of soldiers in the all-conquering army of Immanuel. 

Well might the dim eye of the old patriarch kindle 
up, and his heart swell unutterably full, with hope for 
the church, and good to the world, from such preachers 
and such preaching. 

While Brother Roche was contrasting the two great 
issues of human probation, on that occasion, men bounded 
to their feet, and stood out the sermon, without being 
conscious of the act. 



368 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

His appeal to the colored people was hailed by shouts 
for Jesus and salvation ; and, as the application ended, 
there was a pervading concern in that immense audience, 
which, if it found utterance, would have been in the ques- 
tion, " What must I do to be saved ?" 

A passage in the sermon of Brother Cookman was 
often afterwards dwelt upon by the Parson, to his solace, 
in loneliness, and his comfort in pain. The text was, 
"And they cast their crowns before the throne." 
" Every act of adoration," said the eloquent speaker, 
" will add a new and brighter jewel to that crown of 
joy ! The tribulations of earth will, if remembered, 
sweeten the pleasure to God's redeemed, that they shall 
find at his right hand for evermore !" If this be so, 
thought Father Thomas, I'll do as the poet says : — 

" Suffer on my three-score years, 
Till my Deliverer come, 
And wipe away his servant's tears, 
And take his exile home." 



NEW CHURCH AND CAMP GROUND. 369 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

Removal of the Camp Meeting — Park's Grove — New Church — Rev. J. D. 
Onins — Dedication— Rev. J. Sewell — Dr. Bunting — Elliott — Great Ser- 
mon — A cow subscribed to pay for church — Contrast — Last Sermon of 
Father Thomas — His prayer — A good Text — Preaching — Probation work 
— God speaking to men — Polly of procrastination — A forty days' shower 
— Exalted privileges — Danger of abuse — Weeping for sinners — The word 
let slip — Inattentive hearers — A leaky bucket — The seed in stony places 
— Earnestness — Neglect — No escape — The great salvation — Now is tho 
accepted time — A hiding place from the storm — Last appeal — A pledge to 
try for heaven — Happy conclusion. 

The last encampment held on Evans' Hill, Deal's Is- 
land, was in the year 1849. At its close there was an 
expression of opinion adverse to a continuance of the 
meeting at that particular spot. The constant washing 
away of the bank that formed a barrier against the 
dashing tides, had left but a limited space for tents. In 
other respects, also, the ground was rapidly losing 
those necessary advantages, in the way of shade, and 
accessibility to the main and populous parts of the Is- 
land, which seemed to be desirable. An intimation was 
given, that a new site was in contemplation, and was 
already selected for meeting the following year. 

Accordingly, in August 1850, Park's Grove, a charm- 
24 



370 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

ing spot, thickly studded with vigorous oaks, and lying 
in one of the most beautiful and eligible neighborhoods 
on the Island, was prepared for the purposes of worship 
in the woods. 

That same year, a neat new church had been com- 
pleted, and stood in close proximity to the camp, await- 
ing dedication, in connection with the services of the 
meeting. 

The engraving opposite is an exact representation of 
this building, and its picturesque surroundings. It pre- 
sents moreover a view of the tomb where Father Thomas 
"rests in hope," and alongside, the stone which marks 
the grave of his youngest son, the beloved and lamented 
Aaron. 

Near the church, and a little below it, there stands a 
tasteful structure, devoted to the important purposes of 
education. 

Above the church, and by it, hidden from view, is a 
neat little hall with belfry and other appurtenances ; 
which is owned and occupied by the Sons of Temperance ; 
who have, through weal and wo, maintained an exis- 
tence there for many years. One of the leading men in 
the Division, is Noah Webster, a merchant, residing on 
the adjoining premises. He also fills the office of Post- 
master. 

Clustered here, then, we find those elements that con- 
stitute the centre of population — The Church, Academy, 
Temperance Hall, Post Office, and Camp ground. 

The work of removal from the " old hill," of the 
Islanders' tents, was arduous, but performed with a will, 
and almost in a twinkling. The new ground presented 



H& ; 




-\^ -^w ^--f 



NEW CHURCH AND CAMP GROUND. 371 

a magnificent appearance on the first assembling of the 
congregation there. 

Rev. Mr. Kemp, and the writer, were on the circuit 
at that time, and necessarily in attendance at this very 
pleasant scene of religious devotion. 

"We were favored with the aid of several excellent 
brethren from Baltimore, besides the Presiding Elder 
of the District, Rev. John Onins, and a number of preach- 
ers from adjacent circuits. 

Rev. J. Sewell preached several very interesting dis- 
courses. A brother named Bunting, Dr. James Bunting 
also of the Baltimore Conference, preached, and labored 
with great acceptability and overwhelming effect. Rev. 
Mr. Elliott, well known of late years, as a regular attend- 
ant and an eloquent and successful camp meeting preach- 
er, was there for the first time ; and announced himself, 
in one of the most beautiful and effective sermons that, 
we have been assured, ever had been listened to in that 
locality, as a local minister from the business circles of 
Baltimore city. 

The stand was occupied, also, by Rev. Solomon Pretty- 
man, Rev. Robt. H. Pattison, and others. 

The new church was dedicated by the Presiding Elder 
with an appropriate sermon from the words : "How 
amiable are thy tabernacles Lord, God of Hosts ! My 
soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the 
Lord." Psalm lxxxiv. 1, 2. 

When the sermon was concluded, it was found neces- 
sary to make a money effort, to free the house from debt. 
One of the first who evinced a desire to aid in this 
inatter was Eather Thomas, then a helpless cripple. He 



372 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

had, at his request, been carried in on a chair, and 
greatly enjoyed the discourse which had been delivered, 
setting forth the beauty and glory of God's earthly 
sanctuary, and the privilege and duty of all who love 
Him, to say of Zion, " Peace be within thy walls and 
prosperity within thy palaces." 

" Come brethren, friends, speak out ; how much will 
you give towards paying for this commodious Temple, in 
which you will henceforth worship God?" 

This question was the prelude to subscription, and 
the first response it found, was from the devoted Parson. 
The language of the text, he adopted as his own senti- 
ment. He loved the courts of his God, and prayed 
fervently there, that " multitudes might be born from 
above, and for the upper sanctuary within those walls. 
But the money had to be raised, and in his simplicity he 
remarked, ' Silver and gold have I none ;' but my wife has 
an excellent cow, worth at least twenty dollars, and we 
will give the cow to help pay for the church. Please 
put down the cow !" 

One or two visitors from a distance, were in the con- 
gregation, and were so much pleased with the old gentle- 
man's offering, that they walked up and paid the money 
for him, and then returned the cow. 

" That's the way my Lord always does," said he ; " he 
knows I have a willing mind, and that we would have 
had a hard time without our supply of milk ; and, under- 
stand, he has put it into your hearts, my friends, to do 
this noble act. God bless you !" 

The money was then speedily raised, the church opened 
for stated worship, and the exercises of the camp, sus- 



NEW CHURCH AND CAMP GROUND. 373 

pended for the time, were renewed, and moved on with 
regularity and very marked interest. 

The grove has been tented, with perhaps but one 
or two exceptions, every year since then, but we have 
looked in vain, so far, for such meetings there, as char- 
acterized the old place. True, sinners are awakened 
and converted at every meeting. Believers are quick- 
ened and encouraged, and an occasional shower of re- 
freshing grace, like "manna in the wilderness," falls all 
around ; but when our older people ask, " Where are the 
days of the Henry Whites — the John S. Taylors, and 
others of their time ? Where is the Lord God of Elijah ? 
The holy fire? The multitudes filled with joy?" Echo 
answers, "Wlieref 

It was at this camp meeting, (1850,) Father Thomas 
preached what proved to be his last regular public dis- 
course. 

The Baltimore brethren had taken their departure, 
and quite a number of the preachers from adjacent fields 
of labor had arrived on the ground. The Dedicatory 
services in the new church had been satisfactorily per- 
formed, and undivided attention again secured to the 
order of exercises at the stand. A general good feeling 
pervaded the congregation, and was manifested in the 
prayer meetings. 

It was Wednesday. The meeting, it was expected, 
would be concluded next day. Rev. Mr. Onins, the Pre- 
siding Elder, preached the morning sermon, — a warm, 
winning appeal, from the words of Moses to Hobab, the 
son of Raguel, the Midianite — " We are journeying unto 
the place of which the Lord said, I will give it you : 



374 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

come thou with us, and we will do thee good; for the 
Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel." Numbers 
x. 29. 

This discourse had a fine effect. Its conclusion was 
reached amid loud exclamations of religious confidence 
and joy, from both the front and rear of the stand. 
White and colored participated in hearty responses, when 
the heritage of God's spiritual Israel was portrayed, and 
the church's hope of a "better country, that is, an hea- 
venly," set forth. The preachers themselves were very 
much animated; and old Father Thomas, deploring his 
inability to shout, kept up a running response, and com- 
mentary, on the cheering truths of the sermon. 

As the preacher sat down, Brother Thomas continued 
his remarks in exhortation and encouragement to his old 
friends who were there present, and announced his desire 
to preach once more before he died. 

" I may not live," said he, " until another meeting 
here, or, if I do, the Lord may send for some of you, 
so that we shall never meet again till we cross the 
river, and stand on the other shore, where the hymn 
says, 'We'll be safe for evermore.' I will therefore 
preach my farewell to you this afternoon, if our good 
ministers have no objection." 

"None at all," said the ministers, unanimously; and 
there was a decided sensation evinced, at the prospect 
of a sermon from one whom they all, both young and 
old, delighted to honor. 

The congregation then joined in singing the old hymn, 
" Our bondage it will end," &c, during which, those 
awakened and seeking peace, bowed around the altar. 



NEW CHURCH AND CAMP GROUND. 375 

The time for afternoon service was announced by the 
pealing horn, and few on that particular occasion were 
laggard in securing a seat as eligible as possible, where 
they might hear the voice once more of him whose gentle 
monitions and striking anecdotes they had listened to, 
many of them from early childhood. Some were there 
who had not seen or heard him for many a year ; and 
others, including the writer, who never had the pleasure 
to hear him preach before. 

Many eyes were turned, as the moments passed, in 
the direction of his tent, and a number of persons re- 
mained standing near it, to escort him out. They waited 
respectfully until he had prayed for help and grace, in this 
his time of need. He then appeared seated in his wheel- 
barrow! and was trundled out to the public stand. They 
placed him directly in front, and handed him the books. 
His hymns had been previously conned, and carefully 
" turned down." His text, likewise, had been selected, 
and studied over with prayer, before leaving his tent. 

Persons toward the outer edge of the congregation 
here crowded closer in, and took a standing position where 
they might catch his every word. 

The hymn he announced was sung with spirit. His 
opening prayer was simple, touching, and very compre- 
hensive. He seemed as one talking up into the open 
sky, as though his Father was within the range of his 
eye and voice ; and the throne of mercy, where the 
great Intercessor presides, very near. He continued 
long his pleadings for the Island people, and all the 
strangers who might be in the camp. Various classes 



376 THE PASS ON OF THE ISLANDS. 

were alluded to ; saint and sinner, both comprised in the 
outgushing love of his devoted heart. 

"Never," said he, "shall all this people hear thy 
poor old servant speak in honor of Thy name again. 
Give him words to utter that may do them some good. 
Bless his feeble eifort one time more, to hold up Jesus, 
the sinners' friend, and their only hoj>e. May I see thy 
power, Grod, unto salvation, this day, that thy name 
may be glorified, and my neighbors and their children 
converted and made happy by believing in thee." 

The Divine Spirit softly came over the hearts of all 
around him, while the prayer was being offered, and 
tears were observed in many eyes, as the congregation 
arose and resumed their seats. 

The stirring hymn, "Blow ye the trumpet, blow," &c, 
was next announced and sung ; after which the vener- 
able preacher slowly read his text twice over, as follows : 

u Tlierefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to 
the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should 
let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stead- 
fast, and every transgression and disobedience received a 
just recompense of reward, how shall we escape if wi 
gleet so great salvation ?" Hebrews ii. 1, 2, 8. 

"This," said he, "is a good text. I have heard it 
preached many a time; and so, perhaps, have you. 
Pray, friends ; pray, that I may be able to say something 
on it that may do you good, as it doeth the upright in 
heart — something that may be remembered to your com- 
fort, when I am sleeping in the grave. 

" We are commanded to work while it is called day ; : 
the night of death cometh, when no man can work. 



NEW CHURCH AND CAMP GROUND. 377 

Therefore, as the good Book says, 'Whatsoever thy 
hand findeth to do, do it with thy might,' or, as my text 
says, * Give the more earnest heed to the things which 
ye have heard, lest at any time we should let them 
slip.' 

"Now you need not look for much of a sermon. You 
see my situation, I cannot preach like these good brothers 
in the stand — never could. But as many of them have 
told me, ' Brother Thomas, you preach in your own way, 
and say whatever the Holy Spirit gives you, and the 
Lord will use your instrumentality for his own good 
pleasure.' 

" The servant that in the days of Christ had but one 
talent, and used it well, had the pleasure to hear his 
Master say, 'Well done !' There is a good hymn which 



" Oh, that each in the day, of his coming may say, 
' I have fought my way through : 
I have finished the work thou didst give me to do.' 
Oh, that each from his Lord, may receive the glad word, 

' Well and faithfully done, 
Enter into my joy, and sit down on my throne.' " 

"We read in the chapter above this one, about the 
goodness of God to us in the gift of his Son Jesus Christ ; 
and how that he has spoken to us himself in these last 
days. Yes, he has often spoken to me, and like one of 
old, I have always been ready to say, ' Speak, Lord, for 
thy servant heareth.' Who do you suppose that was, 
my little friends? Have you ever heard of Samuel, 
little Samuel? Well, it was he who said that, and God 
was pleased with the little boy, and loved him. Now do 



378 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

you want God to love you? I hope you do; but if you 

are heedless and sinful, he cannot tolerate sin, or accept 

you until you give up your evil ways, by giving him your 

heart. 

"Remember, my text talks about giving heed to 

something. But, as I was saying, the Son of God 

speaks to us. When he said to me, long ago, ' Son, thy 

sins are forgiven thee;' wasn't I glad? It was the 

happiest feeling I ever knew. The hymn describes it 

exactly : 

" Oh, how happy are they, 

AVho the Saviour ohey, 
And have laid up their treasure ahove ; 

Tongue can never express, 

The sweet comfort and peace, 
Of a soul in its earliest love. 

That sweet comfort was mine, 

"When the favor divine, 
I received through the blood of the Lamb ; 

"When my heart first believed, 

"What a joy I received, — 
"What a heaven in Jesus's name ! 

'Twas a heaven below, 

My Eedeemer to know, 
And the angels could do nothing more, 

Than to fall at his feet, 

And the story repeat, 
And the Lover of sinners adore. 

Jesus, all the day long, 

"^Vas my joy and my song ; 
Oh, that all his salvation might see ; 

He hath loved me, I cried, 

He hath suffer d and died, 
To redeem even rebels like me. 



NEW CHURCH AND CAMP GROUND. 379 

Oh, the rapturous height, 

Of that holy delight, 
"Whieh I felt in the life-giving blood ; 

Of my Saviour possess' d, 

I was perfectly blest, 
As if fill'd with the fullness of God." 



"Jesus has often spoken to me since that first glad 
hour I heard his pardoning voice. And he has spoken 
to you, sinner. Whenever you hear his ministers, he is 
speaking through them to you. 

" He bids them warn the people from his mouth; just 
as if your neighbor would send you word about some 
matter, and tell his boy to say to you, l I said so.' You 
would rely upon it, wouldn't you ? Well, Almighty God 
says to all his preachers, ' I have set thee, son of man, 
as a watchman unto the house of Israel, therefore thou 
shalt hear the words at my mouth, and warn them from 
me.' You can read all about this in the thirty-third 
chapter of Ezekiel. 

"Now when the minister says, 'Come unto me, all ye 
that are weary, and heavy laden, and I will give you 
rest,' he speaks for Jesus, and Jesus speaks through him 
to you. 

" God used to speak unto the fathers, the old Patriarchs, 
by prophets ; and often by angels. I have read about 
angels coming to Abraham, and visiting Lot, and ap- 
pearing to Joshua, and guarding Elijah. But in these 
last days, yes, these eighteen hundred years, since Christ 
was born in Bethlehem, He has been speaking. He 
went about preaching and doing good. Then he sent 
his disciples into all the world, to preach the gospel to 



380 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

every creature. He gave them his Spirit to attend them, 
and though 'He ever lives above for me to intercede,' 
yet he lives here in the hearts of the contrite ones, and 
says, ' Lo I am with you always, even unto the end of 
the world.' 

" He is greater than all angels, superior to all the 
prophets, head over all thiDgs, and 'God blessed forever.' 
Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the 
things we have heard. 

"People who hear the gospel in these days, without 
improving their privileges, will be worse off than if they 
never heard at all. They are in more danger, and will 
meet a far more dreadful condemnation, than rejectors 
of truth in the times past. Tou remember about the 
sinners who were drowned at the time of the deluge ? 
they had plenty of warning, and time for repentance; 
but they were hardened against God, did not believe old 
Noah, laughed at his big ark, and called him hard names 
for his efforts to save them. But ruin came as he fore- 
told. The rain poured down, the floods rushed along 
the valleys, and rose higher and higher, until those who 
climbed trees and rocks, were swept off into the whelming 
waters, and sunk in the ocean. Who laughed then ? A 
man once told me that he read about one of the people 
who argued with Noah, and would not go into the ark ; 
when the flood began to rise pretty high, he got in a 
canoe, and pulled on after the big ship, and wanted to 
get on board. 'No, sir,' said the captain, 'can't take 
you in now. The hatches are all down, and the gangway 
closed, you are too late.' 'Well,' said this man in the 
boat, ' go on, old fellow, I guess it won't be much of a 



NEW CHURCH AND CAMP GROUND. 381 

shower after all.' He soon found out what kind of a 
shower it was, for it never held up, for forty days and 
forty nights, and where was he hy that time ? Now I 
believe that is only a kind of a story ; but look at people 
now-a-days acting in the same way — reveling, mocking, 
and saying there is no danger near. Ah ! my friends, 
you who go by water, there is always danger, only a 
plank between you and eternity. How many are 
drowned every year, and perhaps go to the bar of God 
unsaved ! 

" I heard of a brother who, in telling his experience, 
said he never pondered seriously his awful condition as 
a sinner until one dark night, bound up the Bay, he felt 
a solemn dread take hold of him, for he did not know 
but some passing vessel or steamboat might run foul of 
his boat and sink him ; and in that case, said he to him- 
self, ' Where would I go V This thought brought him to 
repentance. He went to a camp meeting soon after, and 
determined never to leave that place, until God, for 
Christ's sake, should pardon his sins. 

" He did not seek in vain, but was happily converted 
and joined the Church, to live and die among the people 
of God. 

" But if there is no danger of a watery grave, how 
about the fire ? Worse and worse. A deluge of flame 
will burst over this world at the last day, for it is re- 
served unto fire, the apostle says, and all this earth will 
be dissolved. If this be so, what manner of persons 
ought we to be, in all holy conversation and godliness ? 

" I must now come back to my text. It appears to 
me I have heard Brother Lawrenson and Brother James 



382 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

Allen say, that it will be far worse on sinners who are 
lost by unbelief and disobedience, under the gospel dis- 
pensation, than it is on the antediluvians, and the wicked 
who perished in the city called Sodom. 

" We read in the Testament, where Jesus said it will 
be more tolerable — that is, they will bear it better, they 
will not be so utterly wretched — it will be more tolerable 
in that day for Sodom and Gomorrah than for you. 
"Why ? If they had your light, your gospel privileges, 
they would have repented, like Nineveh, in sackcloth and 



" This is the reason, the text says, c we ought to give 
the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, 
lest at any time we should let them slip.' 

" The Lord of glory has come down from heaven to 
teach us the way, yet there are many who will not walk 
in it. He invites, but how few accept his great salva- 
tion, or care about their souls, that must live forever ! 
How ungrateful we are to him who gave this life, that 
we might live a life concealed in him ! I have often 
cried over my ingratitude of heart, when thinking about 
the goodness of the Saviour to poor sinners, of whom, 
like the apostle, I am chief. Why don't you cry over 
your hard-heartedness ? Your eyes are dry, and you are 
ashamed to be seen, or even thought, serious about your 
everlasting welfare. 

" Well, if you are, I am not. I feel like crying for 
you now." 

Here he covered his face with his hands, and with 
bowed head, and low, plaintive wailings, deplored the 
unconcern of men, deprecated the wrath divine, and gave 



NEW CHURCH AND CAMP GROUND. 383 

evidence of being in deep distress for a few minutes. 
This he really felt ; and this was the great secret of his 
power and wonderful success at all times, in enlisting the 
attention, and controlling at will the emotions of his 
hearers. He felt what he said, and said what he felt ; 
realizing truth, whether of a jubilant or fearful character, 
and conveying to the mind and heart of his auditor, his 
own emotions. He wept there before the people, until 
they saw his tears trickle down, and melted into a tender 
mood themselves. " Oh, Jesus, Jesus," he murmured, 
" Thou didst weep over Jerusalem sinners, but these are 
worse than they ; melt their hardness down by the view 
of thy cross, and bloody sweat, and agony for them. 
Save them, Lord, they know not what they do ! Help 
me to-day to get hold of their hearts." 

He then took a survey, with eyes full of tender com- 
passion, of the scene around him, took up his handker- 
chief and wiped the tears from his face ; while we were 
all melted down ; and strong, hard men appeared ready 
to drop on the ground, sobbing convulsively, by the force 
of sympathy, or under the power of the Spirit. 

He here branched out in anecdotes and instances of 
the times when he and his old neighbors were converted, 
and how they labored to bring others to Christ, appeal- 
ing to some one occasionally in the congregation, who 
knew the facts, and could bear testimony to the truth of 
what he was saying. 

Returning to his text again, he began a brief exposi- 
tion of the passage, emphasizing the terms, and illustra- 
ting in his quaint manner every point as he passed on. 

"What things," he inquired, "are we to heed, so as 



884 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

not to let them slip ? The things this book teaches. The 
good word of life. The things our ministers tell us. 
What you heard from Brother Onins this morning, and 
from old Brother Sewell.xm. Sunday, and from the brother 
Elliott, who preached such a glorious sermon to us. 
Don't let these things slip ; that is, don't forget them. 
A schoolmaster had a boy who could remember nothing 
of his lessons, and he said what passed in at one ear 
just popped out at the other. He told him to get some 
cotton and stop one up, and then he might retain what 
he had learned. I wish some people who hear the gospel 
would do that, or anything else that would help them to 
remember the truth. 

" Suppose a man took his bucket, and went outside 
there to the well, and filled it with water, and there was 
a hole in it, so that when he reached his tent, the water 
would all be gone ; it would be labor for nothing. A 
good many persons go to preaching, and come to camp 
meeting, and everything they hear they 'let slip,' and 
return as empty as when they came, like that leaky 
bucket ! 

" I always make my children bring me something 
home from preaching, and while they are gone on Sundays, 
and I am alone at home, I can recollect many blessed 
sermons I have heard, and I feel happy in the midst of 
my pains and loneliness. They tell me the text that 
has been preached, and in trying to remember it, they 
generally catch some of the sermon too, and in this way 
I believe people could keep the devil from troubling them 
in meeting. When I hear what good text has been 
preached, I try to think what might be said upon it, and 



NEW CHURCH AND CAMP GROUND. 385 

they often tell me, ' That's just what the preacher said.' 
This, friends, is all my comfort while I have to suffer 
my Lord's will in affliction. I meditate on his law both 
day and night, and like one of old, ' my meditation of 
him is sweet.' 

" I gave earnest heed when I could go about, and 
treasured up many precious things to help me along in 
my old age and infirmity. 

" Don't let these good things slip, they are too pre- 
cious to lose. A man went and bought some corn, and 
started home with his bag on his back, but there was a 
little torn place in it, and every step he took, out rolled 
the corn. After a while his bag began to feel loose and 
light ; and when he examined the matter, he found he 
had let his corn slip. JBut if you let the good seed of 
the kingdom slip, it will be worse than a bushel of corn, 
therefore give the more earnest heed. 

" Some of you remember when old brother Henry 
White preached that sermon on the 'hill,' about the 
sower who went forth to sow, and the different places the 
seed fell. Well, I thought that day I could see the 
devil going about among the people, and busy at his 
work of destroying the souls of men. In some he 
choked the good seed at once by a few worldly thoughts, 
in others he picked it up like the crows, as fast as it fell, 
and there was none took root ; and in a third class, he 
trampled it down on the barren, beaten pathway of their 
thoughtlessness. That was one great sermon, but you 
let even that slip. 

" Why, my friends, we must ' take fast hold of in- 
struction,' as the wise Solomon says in the book of 
25 



386 THE PAKSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

Proverbs : we must hold on to the truth, as Paul says ; 
and we must watch and pray, lest having a promise of 
entering into rest, any of us should seem to come short, 
and miss it at last. 

" ' Give earnest heed.' That is about the same as 
c Strive to enter in at the strait gate ;' and means that 
we should wake up to strong effort, and hear in the spirit 
of prayer, 'the word being mixed with faith.' Let 
nothing you hear about the way of salvation, be ne> 
glected. Contend earnestly for the prize at the end of 
the race, and be as much engaged about getting grace, 
as about getting money. 

" If you have a dollar or two, you will take mighty 
good care of it, and put it in your best pocket, or lock 
it up in your chest. 

" A good brother once said, when he was here a beg- 
ging money, to send the gospel off to the heathen, there 
were some people so stingy, that they held on to a quar- 
ter dollar so tight, as almost to make the eagle squall ! 
This makes you laugh ; but is it not strange that we 
don't hold on to our hope in Christ, with just as hard a 
hold as that ? If you let go, you sink, you are gone. 

" We ought to give the more earnest heed, seeing our 
privileges are so high, our time so short, and the judg- 
ment bar before our eyes. We, my dear friends, who 
profess religion : Paul said, we, meaning himself with 
others. We ought to feel for poor sinners, but we must 
6 take heed to ourselves.' 

" ' Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation.' 

" ' For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and 
every transgression and disobedience received a just 



NEW CHURCH AND CAMP GROUND. 387 

recompense of reward;' — if those who sinned under the 
old dispensation were punished for every sin, — if God 
never falsified his own word, to let a guilty soul escape ; 
— if this was the case before the world received the 
blessed gospel of the Son of God with its light and mo- 
tives to obedience, — then 'how shall we escape if we 
neglect so great salvation ?' 

" This is the last thing I will talk about, and this is 
greatest of all, my unconverted friends. I want you 
now to ask yourselves the question, to try and ascertain 
it. As for me, I dont know ! Perhaps you think you 
can escape. I think not. For, understand, there is no 
?y but Christ. There is no time but now that you 
can call your own. There is no place but this life, as 
the hymn says : — 

" ' Life is the time to serve the Lord, 
The time to ensure the great reward ;' 

" And I bless God, 

" ' While the lamp holds out to hum, 
The vilest sinner may return.' 

" The lamp is your present life ; but it may go out 
suddenly ; then where are you ? in darkness and black- 
ness for ever. Some old people may be aroused to seek 
religion, but it is hard work for them. I have seen a 
good many old sinners made happy in the Lord, when 
they repented, and began to cry like Peter, ' Save, Lord, 
or I perish.' (Here he gave the names of several.) But 
you who are young ought to seek this first of all. What 
makes me so sorry is that I did not hear the pure gospel 



THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

plan explained, and feel the mighty power of the Spirit 
"when I was young. 

6t The text says it is a l great salvation.' If you read 
your Bibles, you will find out why it is so great. Here 
is one reason, ' God so loved the world, that he gave his 
only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him 
should not perish, but have everlasting life.' This 
teaches you what God — the Great God — had to do 
with it. 

" Then it is great on account of what it cost. Did 
you ever calculate what it cost to redeem a soul ? How 
much money? ]So, something very different. 'Ye are 
redeemed, not with corruptible things, such as silver 
and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ.' That's 
it. 'The precious blood of Christ.' Lord, seal this on 
their hearts, make them think of it ! Now will you 
trample on that price paid down for your sinful soul, 
that it midit be saved? Oh! do not, do not. Think 
of the ' everlasting fire' from which this will save you if 
you seek it, and then say, is it not a ' great salvation ?' 
Think of the glory world, — the saints of all ages, — the 
paradise of God, where you may live, if you are holy 
and faithful, and this shows how great the salvation is. 

•• You may be saved, hallelujah! — saved from sin and 
hell, saved to endless life, for this is a great salvation ; 
great as your sins, though they were mountains high, or 
more 

•'• ■ Than sands upon the ocean shore,' 

you may be fully, freely, and for ever saved. 

" This makes me happy. Oh ! that I could shout ! 



NEW CHURCH AND CAMP GROUND. 889 

Any sinner who comes to Jesus Christ the Saviour in 
the right spirit, will not be cast away, for ' He is able, 
he is willing, doubt no more.' 

" Well, but will you accept this great salvation, you 
see the consequences if you neglect it. You have a 
part to act. Will you accept Christ ? He said to a certain 
people, ' Ye will not come unto me, that ye might have 
life.' Is this the case of any here ? Will they miss of 
it by neglect ? 

"Mind, it does not say 'reject,' but ' neglect.' Now 
a soul can be lost on either tack. I do not know which 
is worst of the two ; but it appears to me I have heard 
preachers say, the one who neglects, that is, passes on 
with indifference, as if it were of no account, this pre- 
cious blessing of God, is worse off at last than he who 
openly and boldly rejects it and takes the consequences. 

" I hope you, my friends, will do neither. It would 
be to your shame if you did. Do you really think you 
can get along without it ? If you do, you will find out 
your mistake in a dying hour, as some I have known, 
and many I have heard tell of, who professed to be infi- 
dels, or some foolish thing of that sort ; but when they 
came down to the cold, swelling waves of death, ah ! 
what did they do ? they cried for mercy, but found their 
day closing in night, and all their hopes lost in the 
flood-tide that swept them away in one eternal storm. 

"Is there anything you can prefer to this salvation? 
Anything to live with and die by equal to it ? No : — 

" ' Nothing is worth a thought beneath, 

But how I may escape that death 

That never, never dies. 



390 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

How make mine own election sure, 
And when I fail on earth, secure 
A mansion in the skies.' 

" It is a great wonder to me how any of us will escape. 
We would be undone forever, but — 

" ' The voice of free grace cries, Escape to the mountain, 
For Adam's lost race Christ has opened a fountain, 
For sin and uncleanness and every transgression, 
His blood flows most freely in streams of salvation.' 

" That's good news for us. That will be our shelter 
from the stormy blast, and our eternal home, — 

" ' "When the rocks and the mountains shall all flee away, 
Then you shall have a sure hiding place that day.' 

"But, sinner, you will not escape, you cannot, you 
ought not, if you refuse Him that speaketh from heaven, 
and now calls the wanderer back : — 

" ■ Turn to the Lord and seek salvation/ 

"Now is the accepted time. When we learned that 
good old invitation hymn, long ago, on the Tangiers, we 
thought it was glorious ; and many flocked home to 
Christ the Shepherd and Bishop of their souls, while we 
used to sing it. Those old pilgrims have gained the city. 
Many are now in bright glory, and I shall soon meet 
them there. They died as I expect to die, shouting 
this great salvation free for all, for Jew and Gentile 
too. 

" Oh ! when I get up yonder, what do you suppose I 
shall hear ? I expect to hear them sing with a loud 



NEW CHURCH AND CAMP GROUND. 391 

voice, ' Salvation unto our God, that sitteth on the 
throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever.' 

"My friends, will you meet me there? I am now 
going to do as old Brother White did one happy Sunday 
on the 'Hill.' He asked you to meet him above, and all 
who were there promised. Will you meet me hard by 
the throne? All who feel like trying for heaven and 
glory, now rise up!" 

With a bound, nearly every person in the circle, not 
already standing, sprang to their feet, and at least a 
hundred clear oif their feet, so intense had become the 
excitement of the moment. 

The unconverted wept and trembled, crowding up to 
the altar, and believers shouted aloud, in their uncon- 
trollable emotion, while they pressed forward to take the 
old man's offered hand in pledge to meet where pain and 
parting tears are shed no more. 

Many were speedily converted that afternoon, and 
joined in the general joy. Brother Thomas was taken 
back to his tent, under great excitement, and there con- 
tinued to exhort a crowd, that stood, around the entrance, 
to prepare for heaven, and live faithful. 

Thus ended the public ministrations of this remarkable 
man ; — remarkable for his simplicity, directness, and 
zeal for nearly forty years of effort in showing to others 
the gospel way of salvation. 

He lived a few years after this, and continued his 
ministry of earnest, loving entreaty and prayer with all 
who visited him in his little Island home ; allowing none 
to cross his threshold without a timely word of exhorta- 
tion adapted to each case. 



392 TIIE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

A very singular circumstance is told, as having oc- 
curred some time prior to this ; and as a well authenti- 
cated fact, proving that good man's power in prayer, we 
introduce it here. 

He owned a small island adjacent to that on which he 
lived. It is called "Piney Island," and the original 
patent, under which it is held, remains in the possession 
of the family. 

In the waters surrounding this island, large quantities 
of fish were discovered, a seine was employed by some 
of the family and neighbors of Brother Thomas, and an 
abundant supply caught. The news spread, and others 
came to share this blessing of Providence ; but selfish- 
ness and avarice were allowed to gain such an ascend- 
ancy that a quarrel arose, and blows were exchanged by 
those laying out their seines. Father Thomas heard the 
affray, and hastened to his closet — there spent some 
time prostrate before God in prayer. He then came 
forth, and said to the parties returning from the new fish- 
ing-ground, " There will be no more fish in that place ! 
God sent us this blessing, and as it was likely to prove 
a source of discord, I have prayed him to remove it." 

The prayer was successful ; his faith was sustained ; 
from that hour no fish have been found in those waters. 



AN INVALID. 393 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

The Parson obtains a carriage — Going to church — Household words — Letter 
from Rev. B. P. Price — Imposition of hands — Sordid selfishness rebuked 
— A Chieftain in the host — Accidental fall — Dream — Dr. Jones — Visits of 
the preachers — Adventure of the Princess Anne lawyers — Hon. Mr, C. — 
" We must pray if you are all lawyers." — Character of the prayer — its ef- 
fects — He prays for " their servants." 

Such was the desire of Father Thomas to attend the 
services of the sanctuary, and occasionally visit his 
Island neighbors and friends, that a small carriage was 
constructed for his use, in which he could recline as in 
a large easy chair ; and so arranged that he could be 
lifted off, and carried into the house of God, without 
havi-ng to change his seat. 

The writer is happy to remember, that he had a hand 
in the getting up of this contrivance ; and personally 
witnessed the grateful surprise it gave the good old man, 
when conveyed to his residence ; and he was informed 
that it was a token of the affectionate esteem of his 
friends, who sought, by this means, to alleviate a little 
his deprivation, and aid him in moving about, to bless 
the people with his presence, and continue his useful 
labors in the church. 

The engraving represents a Sabbath morning scene. 



394 THE PARSON OP THE ISLANDS. 

The Parson is on his way to the new church farther up 
the island; and is seen passing the old, or former place 
of worship ; where, from the time of its erection, until 
supplanted by a larger and more elegant structure, he 
regularly ministered in holy things. 

Turning the corner of the road at this point, we have 
a glimpse of the large building, which for many years 
was the residence of Brother Mister ; now owned and 
occupied by Captain Thomas Bradshaw. 

The persons represented as an escort to the little 
carriage and its occupant, are of his own family. There 
are Seymour and Aaron, his sons ; Joshua, his little grand- 
son; Mrs. Thomas, the companion and sympathizing 
participant in all his afflictions. There is also the wife 
of Aaron — now a widow — and her little daughter Cath- 
erine. 

In the bright sunshine, they cheerily move along ; and 
though living farthest from the church, are likely to be 
among the first to reach it, and the most happy in its 
services. 

They will presently fall in with numerous compan- 
ions on the way ; and with kind, friendly interchanges 
of regard, and a frequent observation, containing weighty 
wisdom, from Father Thomas, the journey is a pleasure ; 
to be near him, a privilege. 

To the casual question, as to who may be going to 
preach, or whether he will preach a good sermon ? — He 
replies, in words of gentle rebuke : " Never say a preacher 
or a sermon is bad, or poor ; if it has Christ in it, and 
anything about the way to heaven, it will be a good, a 
rich sermon. Don't, my friends, underrate your ministers, 




THE PA U SON AN INVALID, ON HIS WAY TO CHURC 



AN INVALID. 395 

love them and hear their words, with hungering and 
thirsting; then you shall be filled, and blest." 

So of "bad" weather, or what persons would call a 
miserable day, if rainy, cold, or even excessively warm, 
he would reprove their presumption, in thus passing 
judgment on God's weather, and unthinkingly reflect- 
ing on his wisdom and providence. 

His sayings of this kind are still "household words," 
among the people of the Islands. " As old Brother 
Thomas used to say," comes with authority, to all who 
love his memory. 

Rev. Benj. F. Price was the pastor of the Island 
churches, at the period of which we now write. He pays 
a truthful and beautiful tribute to that memory still 
precious among the people, in the following communica- 
tion : 

"Dear Brother Wallace: — In compliance with 
your request, to furnish you some reminiscences of Bro- 
ther Thomas, I send you one or two particulars, which 
memory has preserved, of my casual and transient inter- 
course with that man of God. 

" My first interview with him was at his own house, 
and although decrepid with age and disease, I felt my- 
self in the presence of one, who, like Enoch, l walked 
with God,' and who retained a freshness which neither 
age nor disease could destroy. His conversation was in 
the- fullest sense religious. His bearing was that of a 
veteran, and a victor ; and the smile that gladdened his 
countenance, and glistened with the tears that bedewed 



396 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

his eye lids, arched his time -and-toU- wrinkled brow like 
the rainbow of hope. 

" I had not been with him long, before he requested 
me to find the hymn beginning with the words, ' The 
thing my God doth hate,' &c. (Page 305.) After sing- 
ing, he desired me to pray, which I did. He then called 
me to him, and placing his hands on my head, gave me 
his blessing. I felt it was no mean imposition, and my 
vows were renewed by a fresh consecration. 

" On another occasion, when at his house, conversa- 
tion turned on his temporal necessities. After a life of 
active labor in the service of the church, Brother Thomas, 
in old age, found himself poor in this world's goods, and 
unable to accomplish any thing towards the support of 
his family. He had enterprising children, who were 
getting on well in the world, and willing to assist him ; 
but he preferred to provide for himself. It was sug- 
gested that the church owed him much, and would gladly 
remember his wants, if he would allow his case to be 
mentioned at the various appointments. To this he con- 
sented, on the principle that the ' laborer is worthy of 
his hire.' 

" He was so universally known and beloved, that many 
felt it to be a privilege to contribute to his comfort, as I 
mentioned the subject to them. Some time after this I 
again paid him a visit, which may have been my last. 
He told me, he understood that, at a certain place where 
I had mentioned his circumstances, objections were made 
by an individual ; this I did not recollect, and told him 
I thought it was a misapprehension ; but he had his sus- 
picions, and remarked, that the person referred to had 



AN INVALID. 397 

met with a serious loss of property, and that Providence 
had in that manner vindicated his cause. 

" He related to me several instances of the kind, and 
said he had actually been afraid to make a request, lest 
the person refusing should be visited with some stroke 
of retribution. Great was his faith in the God whom he 
served. 

" During the period of my ministry on the circuit, 
Brother Thomas was but rarely able to attend public 
worship, except at the camp meeting on Deal's Island, to 
which he was conveyed from his little Island home, and at 
which, by means of an easy chair, he was enabled to occupy 
a place on the preachers' stand, and listen to the word 
of life, to which he gave responses in earnest ' Amens,' 
and shouting ' Hallelujahs !' His presence at the camp 
meeting seemed to revive in his own mind blessed recol- 
lections, and to kindle in the hearts of his brethren, the 
spirit of holy zeal and perseverance." 

He was like a chieftain among the Lord's hosts, wait- 
ing for his release from battle service, and when the 
chariot came, he mounted it and 

"Passed through death triumphant home." 

At one of the camp meetings, while in this enfeebled 
state, Father Thomas had a very severe fall, from the 
effects of which he suffered intensely. He called on a 
couple of persons to carry him back to his tent, from 
the stand, and while they were hurrying along, he 
slipped from his chair and fell to the ground. 

He was in such a condition, that this fall jarred his 
body and limbs very much, and hastened on the period, 



398 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

when, to his regret, and that of his friends, he could 
leave his room no more. 

An inflammation broke out, about this time, in one of 
his limbs, that could not by any ordinary means be sub- 
dued. He had a dream one night about this matter, 
and on awaking told Mrs. Thomas to procure some pota- 
toes, scrape them in the raw state, and apply a poultice 
to the inflamed part. This was done at his request, 
without much hope of relief, by his attendants ; but he 
was cured almost immediately. 

Dr. Jones often visited him in his last days, and 
showed him all the attention possible. During his calls, 
Father Thomas inquired particularly if any were sick 
on the Island, the nature of their complaints, and their 
prospects for recovery. After his kind inquiries were 
all answered, he would ask the doctor to read a few 
chapters in the Bible, and then kneel down by him, 
while he offered prayer. In his petitions, he referred to 
every patient by name, of whom he had been informed, 
praying most earnestly for their recovery, and that God 
might bless the doctor with great skill and success in his 
practice, and give him grace, to turn him away from the 
vanities of earth, to seek an acquaintance for himself, 
with the great Physician of souls. These simple acts of 
his Christian sympathy, his concern for the suffering, 
and his desire for the salvation of all who crossed his 
threshold, gave the doctor unmistakable evidence of his 
sincere piety. 

A friend of his, a lawyer in Princess Anne, presented 
him with a large arm chair, in which, with the family 
Bible on his knee, and his hymn book at hand, he spent 



AN INVALID. 399 

the weary days of his declining years. In this chair, 
and just as the writer last saw him, is he intended to be 
represented in the portrait which has been prepared for 
this volume. That it is an exact likeness we cannot 
pretend, as memory was our only guide in the design ; 
and a likeness of either of his sons, who resemble him. 
very closely, would not have been his. If the result of 
our labor will but suffice to recall the sainted form of 
Brother Thomas, as his friends remember him in life, 
the object in view will have been attained. 

The influence he exerted, and the prayers he offered 
for visiting friends, while an invalid at home, made deep 
and durable impressions on the minds and hearts of all 
with whom he came in contact. If one of the preachers 
could spend a day or night under his roof, he was cheered 
greatly ; and seemed to feel his sufferings less, while con- 
versation ran on the affairs of the church, or the pros- 
pects for a revival of religion among his acquaintances 
on the Islands. 

Strangers sometimes made considerable journeys, to 
see for themselves, and spend a short time in the com- 
pany of a man so much talked of in the community. 
These visits resulted in good to their souls, invariably. 
A more solemn feeling, perhaps, never rested on the 
mind of an individual, than that experienced, when, in 
obedience to his request, he knelt before him, and with 
his hands on the head, devoutly gave his blessing, or in- 
voked the benediction of God on a visitor. 

A number of gentlemen, most of them lawyers, from 
Princess Anne, had been making an excursion for pur- 
poses of recreation to the Islands ; and happening in the 



400 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

vicinity of Father Thomas' residence, agreed to pay him 
their respects ; and immediately started for the house. 
Among the company was Hon. Mr. C, long a highly 
valued friend, and, in many instances, a benefactor of the 
Parson. They entered, and found him with the holy 
Book open before him, which he was perusing for his 
edification and comfort. After each had walked up to 
where he sat, and shook hands with him, they were in- 
vited to sit down, and Brother Thomas inquired the 
names of all he did not recognize, ascertained their bu- 
siness, and whether they had families, &c. Conversation 
had been continued for some time, and all were highly 
gratified — the Parson in the unexpected honor and 
pleasure of the visit, and his friends in the cheerfulness 
he evinced under debility and pain, and the entertaining 
anecdotes he repeated of his acquaintance with their 
fathers in past days. 

A movement was made by some of the party to end 
the interview, and retire. The others took the hint, and 
all were about to leave, when he said, " Stop, friends ! 
you see my situation here. I ca,nnot leave this chair ; 
but, down with you, every man on your knees. If you 
are all lawyers, we must have a word of prayer together 
before you go !" The company dropped into the desired 
posture, in various parts of the room, and to some of 
them the position was entirely novel; they were not 
used to this holy exercise ; while all felt the situation 
into which they were brought in such an unexpected 
manner, to be unusual, and its sensations peculiar. 

But the memorable prayer began. Simple and solemn, 
touching every heart in a moment; and as it proceeded, 



AN INVALID. 401 

in appropriate scriptural terms, the interest and admira- 
tion of the kneeling circle was thoroughly enlisted. 
When he came to personate them, and pray for the wives 
of those who enjoyed that blessing, and their little chil- 
dren at home, and the servants of their households, tears 
began to flow, handkerchiefs were hastily brought into 
requisition ; and when the prayer ended, and they arose 
from their recumbent posture, silence prevailed to an em- 
barrassing degree. No word was uttered, as one by one 
the lawyers gave the good man their hand in farewell, 
and took their departure from a place, of which they 
could exclaim, as one of old, " Surely the Lord is here, 
and I knew it not ; this is God's own house, and the gate 
of heaven/' After walking some distance, an effort was 
made by some one to rally his solemn visaged fellows, 
and break the spell which hung around them. He ad- 
dressed the pilot, or driver of the party, Mr. T. Smith, 
— " Tom," said he, " the old gentleman did not pray for 
you." " Oh yes, he did," rejoined Tom, "did you not 
hear him pray for your servants?" This occasioned a 
laugh, and brought the company back to their ordinary 
spirits, and to the use of their tongues ; but not a man 
of them has lost the recollection, or will ever forget the 
feelings of that hour. 

26 



402 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Nearing port — Cheerfulness and religious hope — Sorrows of old age — Dying 
young — Ministry of a devoted wife — " Son, I am not afraid to die" — 
Tranquil passage — In the harbor — Safe at home — "He is gone!" — 
"Funeral sermon by Rev. Z. 'Webster — Doctrine of the resurrection — Cer- 
tainty and glory— Consolation to the sorrowing — Security of the righteous 
— "He sleeps in Jesus" — Rev. A. "W. Milby — Burial — Inscription on 
tomb — Death of Aaron Thomas — A widow's stay in trouble — The Thomas 
family — Reflections — Conclusion. 

During- the summer of 1853, it became evident to 
Eather Thomas and his friends, that his end was nigh 
at hand. This gave him no concern, but was to his mind 
rather a subject of cheerful contemplation. " Don't 
look so gloomy and distressed," he would say to those 
who visited him, and could ill restrain their tears, at 
witnessing his feebleness, and increasing bodily infirmi- 
ties. Some of the wisest and weightiest words, that 
ever fell from his lips, were uttered with a view to re- 
concile his family, and all others who shared his sympathy 
and affection, to the event that must soon remove him 
from the associations of earth. 

He said to the writer, "Brother, never pray, or wish, 
to live until you are helpless and old. To die young, 
may seem, to hopeful youth, a hard thing ; but it looks to 



THE VOYAGE ENDED. 403 

me, to be a great privilege, if it be God's will, to call 
one away to the joys of heaven, before the weary burden 
of old age presses him gradually down into the grave. 
The sooner you reach heaven the better." 

The seventy-seventh anniversary of his birth greeted 
him, and left him unable to be moved from his couch. 
There, he was attended by the ceaseless ministrations 
of that loving wife, who, as he firmly believed, had been 
selected for him by his Lord, nearly forty years before ; 
and who, by reason of natural strength and endurance, 
never wearied in her kind and considerate attention to 
his every want. "What would I do without her?" was 
his frequent remark, as she nursed him with tenderness, 
and watched by his bed of pain. The goodness of God, 
in providing him with such a devoted companion, and 
such affectionate children, filled his heart with praise. 
His sons, Seymour and Aaron, were daily near him, to 
afford all the support and comfort possible, as his sun 
serenely declined, and his eventful life was closing, with- 
out a cloud on the horizon of his religious hope. 

A short time before he breathed his last, he said to 
Seymour, who appeared to be filled with distress — "Son, 
I am not afraid to die!" From this moment he rapidly 
declined ; and, satisfied that his work was done, bade all 
his family farewell, before his power of utterance failed 
him; then appeared to fix his thoughts on that world, 
the confines of which his spirit had reached: and in 
which his dim eye discerned " a building of God; a house 
not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." 

His longed for release came at 2 o'clock, on the morn- 
ing of the 8th day of October, 1853 ; and the transition 



404 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

was quiet, as a gentle slumber. With his last expiring 
energy he gave the signal, as he entered "death's cold 
stream," that all was well! Toiling hard, he at length 
found anchorage in the peaceful haven; fighting long, his 
victory came, and with "an abundant entrance" he gained 
the "crown of life." 

"He is gone" was the subdued announcement of one 
to another, as the tidings traveled to every home on the 
Island that morning; "gone to heaven," was the thought 
of every heart. 

"Lay me," he had requested, "in a plain coffin, when 
I die. Let Brother Webster preach my funeral sermon ; 
and be sure you do not bear my poor decaying dust into 
the holy sanctuary during the services; leave it outside 
the door, while you enter and bow before the Lord in 
prayer, and hear his glorious word ; then make my grave, 
where the sound of a preached gospel, Sabbath after 
Sabbath, and the shouts of happy Christians (from the 
adjacent camp ground) will linger over the spot where I 
shall rest in hope." 

These arrangements were obeyed in every particular. 
The funeral cortege included nearly every person in the 
entire community. The church was thronged, and sad- 
ness fell on all, as the memory of that voice which was 
wont to instruct and comfort, but now hushed forever, 
came vividly before the people. Rev. Z. Webster, ac- 
companied by Rev. A. W. Milby, ascended the pulpit : 
the former to preach the funeral sermon, and the latter, 
who, out of respect to the deceased, had come a long dis- 
tance, to assist in the services. 

(A full report of this discourse was prepared for in- 



THE VOYAGE ENDED. 405 

scrtion here; but owing to the limited space that remains 
to us," a bare synopsis is all that can be given.) 

After the customary introductory services, Brother 
Webster rose and announced his text from 1 Thess. iv. 
13, 14-18. 

" But I would not have you to he ignorant, brethren, 
concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not even 
as others which have no hope. 

" For, if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even 
so, them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with 

nvyy) *«* *** *** *•* *^ ^ 

" Wherefore comfort one another with these words" 

The doubts and difficulties of many in the early 
Christian church, and through all subsequent time, on 
the doctrine of the resurrection ; and the apostle's 
arguments, and explanations, to settle the faith, and 
cheer the hopes of sorrowing humanity, in its certainty 
and glorious consequences ; formed the subject of pre- 
liminary remark. 

The preacher then adverted to the solemn and afflic- 
tive dispensation of death — the death of the good, the 
venerated and beloved of earth. He intimated that 
sorrow from a sense of bereavement, was natural and ir- 
repressible ; but hopeless sorrow, for a Christian de- 
parted, was unnecessary, and unworthy those who accept 
and believe the revelation -of God, which clearly shows 
that, under certain conditions, "to die is gain;" and 
that a reunion, beyond this vale of tears, is the happy 
heritage of all the sanctified. 

The resurrection of the human body, he stated, is 
made dependent on the fact that " Jesus died, and rose 



406 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

again." This fact he then proceeded to notice at length ; 
showing the numerous authorities which incontestable 
establish it, as the great basis of hope to man, that there 
will be a general resurrection at the last day. Christ, 
having risen from the dead, and become the " first fruits" 
of them that slept, has sufficient ability to accomplish 
the mighty work. Of this power, illustrations were 
given, and striking examples — in the case of Lazarus, 
and the saints, whose graves were opened at the time of 
the crucifixion — were adduced. Objections to the doc- 
trine were noted and answered, and the faith of Christians 
encouraged by the view of God's omnipotence and faith- 
fulness. 

He then presented the effects — to all who " sleep in 
Jesus" — of apart in the first resurrection; urging re- 
pentance, faith, holy living, humility, watchfulness, and 
fruit-bearing, as the necessary means and evidences of 
this saving intimacy with Christ Jesus. 

To such as "look for his appearing," and, bearing 
his cross, are found at his coming to be faithful servants, 
God will secure a triumph o'er the grave, a full and final 
victory over death. In this prospect the believer can 
sing, with a delightful poet : — 

" I would not live alway ; no, welcome the tomb ! 
Since Jesus hath lain there, I dread not its gloom; 
There sweet be my rest till he bid me arise, 
To hail him in triumph descending the skies." 

To the unconverted there is nothing pleasing in the 
prospect of that morning, when "many that sleep in the 
dust shall awake." The glorious provision of "ever- 



THE VOYAGE ENDED. 407 

lasting life" may be forfeited and lost; and, consequent 
on impiety, only "shame and everlasting contempt" be 
realized as the result of the trumpet's call ; and, while 
Christ's followers shall have the unspeakable privilege 
of being " ever with the Lord," those who despise or 
reject him " shall be banished from his presence" for- 
ever. 

" God is gathering home his people," said the preacher, 
" one by one they have gone from among us, and while we 
lament their loss, are swelling the multitude which no 
man can number, and praising him above. Another is 
gone from his beloved and stricken family, from the 
Church, and society, where he occupied a place of promi- 
nence, for his deep piety and great usefulness. Father 
Thomas is no more. 

" I need not add here, where his life, character, and 
labors are so well known, any extended remarks. He 
was a good man, full of faith and the Holy Ghost, did 
great good in his day and generation, and we have not 
the shadow of a doubt is now where ' the weary are at 
rest.' 

" May God comfort the hearts of this bereaved family, 
and large circle of mourning friends, and may we all 
follow him as he followed Christ. Amen." 

Rev. Mr. Milby addressed the people in some remarks 
following the sermon, and read the impressive burial 
service at the grave ; after which, the mortal part of this 
beloved Father in Israel was committed to dust and 
ashes, in hope of a future and glorious reunion, when 
the saying shall be brought to pass, " Death is swallowed 
up in victory." 



408 THE PARSON of the islands. 

His tomb may be seen by the side of the Deal's Island 
church, and bears the following inscription : 

IN MEMORY OF THE REV. 

JOSHUA THOMAS; 

WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE, 

Oct. 8th. 1853; 

AGED 77 YEARS, 1 M02TTH AND 18 DAYS. 

" Come all my friends, as you pass by, 
Behold the place where I do lie ; 
As you are now, so once was I ; 
Hern ember you are born to die." 

Tbis stanza, it is said, he selected and arranged him- 
self, before his death ; as a silent and solemn call to the 
living to secure in life, the great end of probation. 

Another grave had soon to be opened, near that of the 
father, for his youngest surviving son, the beloved Aaron. 
In Ms death, the church lost a jewel. He was converted 
when a boy, was rebaptized with the Holy Spirit at 
Tangier, and afterwards became a zealous and useful 
exhorter. Had he been spared, his destination was 
evidently the " walls of Zion," where he would have been 
a "bright and shining light." 

In his death, also, the now doubly bereaved and wid- 
owed mother found her cup of sorrow full ; but the hand 
Divine, blended in its bitterness the sweet ingredient of 
resignation, and joyous anticipations of a meeting soon, 

where 

" Sickness and sorrow, pain and death, 
Are felt and feared no more." 



THE VOYAGE ENDED. 409 

Before concluding these memoirs, the writer may be al- 
lowed to notice the death of John Parks, one of the 
early contemporaries of Brother Thomas, of whom an 
extended sketch is herein presented. 

He died on Thursday, the 24th day of January, 1861, 
and now rests from his labors. Of him it may be said, 
in the words of Charles Wesley: 

" Weep not for a brother deceased ; 
Our loss is his infinite gain ; 
A soul out of prison released, 
And freed from its bodily chain. 

With songs let us follow his flight, 

And mount with his spirit above ; 
Escaped to the mansions of light, 

And lodged in the Eden of love. 

Our brother the haven hath gained, 

Outliving the tempest and wind ; 
His rest he hath sooner obtained, 

And left his companions behind. 

Still toss'd on a sea of distress, 

Hard toiling to make the blest shore, 

Where all is assurance and peace, 
And sorrow and sin are no more. 

There all the ship's company meet, 
Who sailed with the Saviour beneath ; 

With shouting each other they greet, 
And triumph o'er sorrow and death : 

The voyage of life 's at an end ; 

The mortal affliction is past ; 
The age that in heaven they spend, 

For ever and ever shall last. 



410 THE PARSON OF THE ISLAUDS. 

The grave yards of Deal's Island have gathered in 
many, whose memory is precious to the church and 
community : and whose Christian example for liberality 
to the cause of God. is a sweet memorial that shall never 
die. 

The pious Aaron Bradshaw evinced his sympathy 
with that work which contemplates the conquest of the 
world by righteousness, and the establishment of His 
reign, whose right it is, "from sea to sea, and from the 
river, unto the end of the earth ;" by a legacy, the pro- 
ceeds of which are realized from year to year, to send 
the gospel into " all the world." 

His son Caleb, also departed, followed the example of 
his father in this respect, as he did in the service of his 
father's God. 

Another name has been recently added to the list of 
those, whose influence and liberality continues to bless 
the church, they "being dead." We refer to that of 
Hamilton "White: a brother beloved in life, and who 
passed away leaving a clear and emphatic testimony 
behind, to the power and preciousness of the religion 
of Christ, to enable the soul to triumph in its last hour 
of earthly conflict. 

" ; Tis religion that can give 
Sweetest pleasure while we liv? : 
Eeligion only can supply 
Solid comfort when we die ; 
After death its joys will be 
Lasting as eternity." 

The members of Father Thomas' family who remain, 
are John, to whom frequent allusion has been made ; 



TUB VOYAGE ENDED. 411 

Elisha, one of the class leaders on Deal's Island ; Sey- 
mour, who lives adjoining old Mrs. Thomas on the little 
island ; Mrs. Webster, also referred to ; and Lybrand, 
named after a favorite preacher — the late Rev. Jos. 
Lybrand. Most of these have large families of children, 
on whom, may his mantle, of whom we here make affec- 
tionate memorial, descend and ever abide. 

And to this devout wish, the writer will only add, in 
closing up this labor of love, the prayer, that the Island 
people, whose generous liberality to the cause of missions, 
the Christian church, and whatsoever things are lovely 
and of good report, is unbounded ; and whose hospitality 
to the ministers of Christ is proverbial — may abound 
more and more, in all the graces of godliness ; be stead- 
fast in the faith of their fathers, and find admittance at 
last to the society of the blessed at the right hand of 
God. 

There may he who now sustains to them the endearing 
relation of pastor — himself through mercy saved — renew 
the hallowed intercourse of time with those who have 
crossed the flood, and among them, the glorified spirit 
of one we long to greet again — " The Parson of the 
Islands." 



412 THE PARSON OF THE ISLANDS. 

THE CHRISTIAN MARINER. 

TO THE MEMORY OF THE RET. JOSHUA THOMAS. 

By B. E. Kemp. 

Eull many a day has passed away — 

And days with danger rife ; 
Since first thy hark was launched upon 

The stormy sea of life. 

And many a wave has spent its force, 

And oft the driving storm 
Has swept across thy onward course, 

And "broke upon thy form. 

"With quadrant, compass, and the chart, 
Which G-od's own hand has given, 

To guide the sailor safe to port — 
Thy voyage led to heaven. 

And now the clouds have passed away, 

The sky is "bright and clear ; 
A star, the harbinger of day, 

Disperses doubt and fear. 

The coast of bliss so long in view — 

Beyond the breakers' roar — 
Is gained at last, and anchor cast 

Upon that shining shore. 

Thy sails are furl'd, and safely there 

Thy weary soul may rest : 
For thee, thy Captain did prepare 

A home among the blest. 

And while we miss our brother here, 

And for thy presence sigh, 
With humble hope, we wait the day, 

To greet thee in the sky. 



